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.
For green card holders, Shkolnikov warned about worldwide estate tax exposure. Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Cases such as those involving Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was arrested over involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, have underscored these concerns. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 Hughes-Brown came to the United States at 11 years old and has had a green card for over 37 years, the Mirror reported. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 Rim suggested the government should distinguish between those with criminal records and those whose only violation is a visa overstay or mismatch, and consider letting the latter remain, pay taxes and potentially seek green cards. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 12 Sep. 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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