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.
Sarah Shaw, who is waiting for a green card, and her son Isaac, 6, were arrested despite having some immigration documents. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025 This is a common scenario for many U.S. citizens and green card holders while working in the United States. Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 About 95% of these new Florida residents were admitted as lawful permanent residents, or green card holders. Matt Brooks, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025 Kim has been a green card holder since 2011 and has lived in the U.S. for 35 years, since the age of 5 when his family emigrated from South Korea, according to his lawyers. Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 29 July 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 21 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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