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.
Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, was arrested by ICE agents in New York City in March. Ely Brown, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025 Experts have warned that green card holders now face a tougher path to United States citizenship, as a new civics test demanding higher scores came into effect Monday. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 He got married in 2012, and his then-spouse petitioned for his permanent resident status, also known as a green card. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 While waiting for a green card, Kordia withdrew from school, voluntarily giving up her student status. Aida Alami, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 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 26 Oct. 2025.

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

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