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 approval meant García-Hernández would have been able to start applying for a visa or green card. Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025 Judges may administratively close a case to give time for people who may be eligible for deportation relief — such as through asylum or a green card — to work through the frequently lengthy processes. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025 Her attorney told Burnett that she’s been working to apply for her green card after being brought to the United States by her parents at age 6. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025 Park came to America at the age of 7 from South Korea on a green card, his attorney Danicole Ramos, previously told USA TODAY. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Dec. 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 Dec. 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

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