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

Every candidate enters a contest with a backstory and a record, which is condensed to a summary that serves as calling card, strategic foundation and a rationale for their run.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The forester examined the tree and found D-shaped holes — the calling card of the goldspotted oak borer — where the beetles had chewed through the tree to emerge from the bark.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• business card