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

He prefers to call car rentals a good introduction to Costco Travel, a calling card.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

This is in keeping with the show’s calling card of marrying high and low culinary traditions, transforming the concept of upscale into a state of mind.

From Salon

In that context, “After the Hunt” stands now less as a calling card than as a reminder of how far they’ve come and yet how much further they want to go.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Blue Owl has three lines of business, private credit—specifically direct lending in private-equity deals—is the firm’s calling card and growth engine, and the straw that’s stirring Wall Street’s punch bowl lately.

From Barron's

Related Words

• business card