playing card

noun

play·​ing card ˈplā-iŋ- How to pronounce playing card (audio)
: one of a set of 24 to 78 thin rectangular pieces of cardboard or plastic marked on one side to show its rank and suit and used in playing any of numerous games

Examples of playing 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 collaboration also includes a selection of games, including playing cards and roll-up chess and backgammon boards. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 The company reproduced them on playing cards, business cards. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The defensive backs bonded on the field before and during practices and while playing card games in their dorm rooms during camp. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 On the flight to Houston when Kevin Gausman learned of his trade to his Chicago Cubs, the veteran right-hander was playing cards with fellow Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Jeff Hoffman. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playing card

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playing card was in the 15th century

Rhymes for playing card

See All Rhymes for playing card

Browse Nearby Words

playhouse
playing card
playing field
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Cite this Entry

“Playing card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playing%20card. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

playing card

noun
: any of a set of cards marked to show rank and suit (as spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs) and used in playing games

More from Merriam-Webster on playing card

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about playing card

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