green card

noun

: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
green-carder noun

Examples of green card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While those requirements have yet to be determined, advocates have discussed possible options might include extending voting to lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, DACA recipients, and others who live, work and pay taxes in Los Angeles, according to the councilmember’s office. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 For some applicants, a delay in green card timing may create more room for pre-immigration tax planning, while for others, especially those already meeting the substantial presence test, the tax result may not change at all. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Munoz, who still resides in Florida and is now on a green card, plans to appeal. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026 Meanwhile, last spring about five people associated with the film—from executive producers to young crew on green cards—asked to have their names scrubbed from the credits. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for green card

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green card was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

green card

noun
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

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