playing card

American  

noun

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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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

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

From National Geographic • Nov. 3, 2023

She said her mother “made friends,” was going to church and playing card games.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2023

The 15-page book, smaller than a playing card, is dated December 1829 and is stitched in its original brown paper covers.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2022

Now that I’m grounded from roaming the property, I spend a lot of time playing card games with Sam on our patio.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez