calling card

American  

[kaw-ling kahrd] / ˈkɔ lɪŋ ˌkɑrd /

noun

1. 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.

2. Informal. any mark, sign, trace, characteristic, or the like by which someone or something can be recognized.

3. 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.

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calling card British  

noun

1. Also called: visiting card.  a small card bearing the name and usually the address of a person, esp for giving to business or social acquaintances

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Etymology

Origin of calling card

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Few things are a better calling card for queer counterculture than a Daft Punk deep cut.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

Volatility has been silver’s calling card in recent months but even by recent standards the last week has been a roller-coaster ride.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

The Dead’s graphic symbols, including “dancing” bears, the “Stealie” lightning skull and instrument-wielding terrapins, were plastered across innumerable merchandise and became a calling card of hippie-influenced counterculture over the ensuing decades.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

With 2.5 million views on YouTube, the scene became a calling card for the show—and Sheridan’s point of view.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

I searched for the boy who’d given me the calling card behind the auditorium before winter break, but couldn’t find him.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Related Words

• business card