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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Representative Steve King of Iowa introduced a bill in 2011 that would have changed the Constitution so a person born in the United States could only be a citizen if one of their parents was a citizen, had a green card, or was serving in the military. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 The two had hoped to plan a trip to Vatican City in Italy following the issuance of her green card. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026 The policy rescinds prior guidance that did not treat the failure to apply for a green card as grounds for deportation. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026 Under federal law, refugees are required to apply for a green card within a year of their arrival. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 18 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 27 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on green card

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster