cardboard

American  

[kahrd-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈkɑrdˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a thin, stiff pasteboard, used for signs, boxes, etc.

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adjective

1. resembling cardboard, especially in flimsiness.

   an apartment with cardboard walls.

2. not fully lifelike; shallow; two-dimensional.

   a play with cardboard characters.

cardboard British  

/ ˈkɑːdˌbɔːd /

noun

1. 1. a thin stiff board made from paper pulp and used esp for making cartons

   2. ( as modifier )

      cardboard boxes

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adjective

1. (prenominal) without substance

   a cardboard smile

   a cardboard general

Etymology

Origin of cardboard

First recorded in 1840–50; card ¹ + board

Example Sentences

Purpose-made cardboard boxes and fleets of delivery drivers helped make pizza a takeout staple for those seeking low-stress meals.

From The Wall Street Journal

In her studio, multiple towering sculptures are ensconced in cardboard and bubble wrap, while others — works in progress — sit on plinths, lean against walls, or hang from the ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times

Trujillo said he once played office golf — blue cardboard for water hazards; brown paper for sand traps — with actors Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy while the movie “A Mighty Wind” was being edited.

From Los Angeles Times

If you don’t have one readily available, you can also use small envelopes or cardboard boxes glued onto a piece of foam board.

From Salon

Bill said, “Wait a minute,” and he came back from the garage with this old cardboard box all wrapped up in tape.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badge
• calendar
• check
• label
• poster
• program
• sheet
• ticket