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.
Before the shooting broke out, the victim and other occupants of the residence were playing cards, according to the Winter Garden Police Department. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 Photograph by Tajette O’Halloran for The New Yorker Two months later, Luwi was playing cards with friends under a tree when a man came from behind and struck him in the head with a machete. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The lodge is usually buzzing with guests playing card games, enjoying daily happy hour, or sitting by the roaring fireplace. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 As John and Gates are playing cards, with the con man still working on charming the agent, the first guard assigned outside in the hallway drops. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playing card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playing%20card. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of playing card for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about playing card

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