trading card

noun

plural trading cards
: one of a set of cards or digital files collected and traded as a hobby : collectible card: such as
a
: a card featuring a picture of and statistical information about an athlete
It may be the most legendary trading card in sports, and it's not even Mantle's rookie card.Jon Gold
b
: a card featuring a fictional character, location, item, etc. and used especially in playing a trading card game
The "Labyrinth of Nightmare" set of Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards is considered a good investment by some collectors because it contains several powerful and sought-after cards.Oliver Copeland
c
: a digital art file featuring a person, character, item, etc.
especially : a unique non-fungible token card
NFT trading cards are unique digital collectibles. Each NFT card is distinct. … A rare NFT trading card featuring a legendary musician or athlete might command a high price due to their widespread fame. Iulia Vasile

Examples of trading 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.
That rare constellation of stars aligned Sunday, turning a lucrative trading card show into a priceless event for Florida fans. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 The partnership between Boise State, Jacksons and collectibles company ONIT Athlete is entering its fifth year, marking the longest-running full-team collegiate trading card program in the country, a news release noted. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026 The first 1,000 attendees will receive a De’Von Achane trading card. Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 For buyers, live shopping is more conducive to impulse buys — a Blu-Ray DVD or Pokémon trading card — than with more thoughtful purchases. Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trading card

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trading card was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trading card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trading%20card. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

trading card

noun
: a card that usually has pictures and information about someone or something and is part of a set that is collected by trading with other people
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