card reader: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / General
Quick answer
What does “card reader” mean?
A hardware device that reads data from memory cards (like SD, microSD) or smart cards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hardware device that reads data from memory cards (like SD, microSD) or smart cards.
A device used to access data from a plastic card with a magnetic stripe, chip, or embedded memory; also refers to individuals who perform cartomancy (fortune telling with cards), though this is less common in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. US English may be more likely to use "card reader" for simple, portable USB devices, while UK might also use "memory card reader" more specifically.
Connotations
Neutral technical device in both.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US English in retail/payment contexts ("swipe your card through the reader").
Grammar
How to Use “card reader” in a Sentence
Use [card reader] with [device/laptop]Connect the [card reader] to [USB port]Insert the [memory card] into the [card reader]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “card reader” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to card-read the employee pass.
American English
- The terminal will card-read the chip for verification.
adverb
British English
- The data transferred card-reader fast.
American English
- It works card-reader quick.
adjective
British English
- The card-reader function is built into the new laptop.
American English
- We need a card-reader accessory for the tablet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Device for processing payment cards or accessing employee ID cards.
Academic
Hardware for data transfer in computer science or digital photography courses.
Everyday
A small USB device for viewing photos from a camera's memory card on a computer.
Technical
A peripheral or integrated hardware component that reads data from flash memory or smart card chips.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “card reader”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “card reader”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “card reader”
- Using 'card reader' to refer to a person who reads paper cards (e.g., greeting cards) is incorrect in modern technical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'cardreder' or 'card reder'.
- Confusing it with a 'cardholder' (which is a person or a physical wallet slot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words: 'card reader'.
Typically, a 'card reader' only reads data. Devices that both read and write are often still called 'readers' colloquially, but more precise terms are 'card reader/writer' or 'media drive'.
A SIM card reader is a specific type of card reader designed for the small SIM cards used in mobile phones. A general card reader may have slots for larger formats like SD cards.
Yes, this is a common and correct sentence, implying you bought a device to read your camera's memory card.
A hardware device that reads data from memory cards (like SD, microSD) or smart cards.
Card reader is usually technical / general in register.
Card reader: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd ˌriːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd ˌriːdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person READING a BOOK, but for CARDS. A CARD READER 'reads' the information on your card.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVICE IS A LINGUIST (The reader interprets the 'language' of data stored on the card).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might 'card reader' refer to a person?