cards

word · lemma: card

/ˈkɑɹdz/
kardz
/kˈɑːdz/
kahdz

Definition

A card is a small, flat piece of paper or plastic used for a purpose such as payment, identification, greeting, or a game. The plural 'cards' can also specifically mean playing cards.

Usage & Nuances

'Card' is very common in everyday English: 'credit card', 'ID card', 'birthday card', 'SIM card'. 'Cards' often means playing cards in contexts like 'shuffle the cards' or 'play cards'. Be careful: 'papers' and 'cards' are not always interchangeable.

Example Sentences

I keep my bank cards in this wallet.

basic

The children are playing with cards on the floor.

basic

She bought thank-you cards for her teachers.

basic

Do you have any cards, or should we use my deck?

natural

I left all my cards at home, so I could only pay cash.

natural

We stayed up late playing cards and talking.

natural