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 games are divided into four categories, represented by the suits in a deck of playing cards. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025 At the center of the garden looms a massive playing card, the king’s face replaced with a brazen B. On the water, the party continues aboard the Usher. Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025 Each of the new contestants, below, are being revealed like a deck of playing cards, complete with different suits. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 21 Jan. 2025 The games are divided into four categories represented by suits on a deck of playing cards. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near playing card

Cite this Entry

“Playing card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playing%20card. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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

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