playing card

American  

noun

playing cards plural

1. one of the conventional set of 52 cards in four suits, as diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs, used in playing various games of chance and skill.

2. one of any set or pack of cards used in playing games.

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playing card British  

noun

1. one of a pack of 52 rectangular stiff cards, used for playing a variety of games, each card having one or more symbols of the same kind (diamonds, hearts, clubs, or spades) on the face, but an identical design on the reverse See also suit

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• playing cards
  plural

Etymology

Origin of playing card

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

All Sonny needs are concentration, skill and a lucky playing card in his racing suit.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2025

STAHLS’ personalizes two jerseys for each draft pick, including one handed to the player onstage and another that is used as part of his rookie playing card pack.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The other is a Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame playing card of Whitaker.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Today, the 52-card French deck is the most famous playing card deck.

From National Geographic • Nov. 3, 2023

Two pencil stubs, one bent playing card, and a small ash tray.

From "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater