calling card
Americannoun
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Also called card, visiting card. a small card with the name and often the address of a person or of a couple, for presenting when making a business or social call, for enclosing in gifts, etc.
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Informal. any mark, sign, trace, characteristic, or the like by which someone or something can be recognized.
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Also called phone card. a prepaid card or charge card that can be used to make a telephone call at home or away from home.
noun
Etymology
Origin of calling card
An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was the electronic calling card of Night Watch, an elite Ukrainian jamming unit that says it downed the missiles with its Lima system.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
The findings suggest that BFAs could function as a durable chemical "calling card" that helps preserve information about individual identity.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026
But Finch, 59, anchored a band whose calling card was thrilling, glorious bluntness.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
Or is the Scotland faithful's new calling card here to stay?
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026
He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a calling card, printed with the name of the circus and an address in New York City.
From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
