green card

noun

: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
green-carder noun

Examples of green card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Munoz, who still resides in Florida and is now on a green card, plans to appeal. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026 Meanwhile, last spring about five people associated with the film—from executive producers to young crew on green cards—asked to have their names scrubbed from the credits. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Hundreds of thousands of immigrants apply for a green card each year. Editorial, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026 Under long-standing practice, Lucy could apply for her green card right in Ohio without uprooting her life. Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for green card

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green card was in 1956

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

green card

noun
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

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