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.
The Cato report found that in all, total green card approvals under USCIS, the agency in charge of processing immigration benefits, had been cut in half for applicants from all countries. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 According to the newspaper, the materials were given to immigration officers at USCIS, which is part of the DHS and oversees green card applications, last month. Adam England, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 There, immigrants may be attending hearings on their asylum or green card applications, not participating in criminal or civil court proceedings. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Another student, Yaima Fuentes Pérez, 41, came from Cuba a little more than a year ago and was granted her green card just after the English-only rule came into effect. David Ovalle, NPR, 20 Apr. 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 1 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on green card

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster