cardstock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Artistic/Craft
Quick answer
What does “cardstock” mean?
A type of thick, stiff, durable paper used for printing, crafting, and making cards, postcards, and paper-based items.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of thick, stiff, durable paper used for printing, crafting, and making cards, postcards, and paper-based items.
In broader professional contexts, it refers to any heavy-weight paper or board categorized by weight and thickness, often used in commercial printing, packaging prototypes, and fine art projects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'card' (or more specifically 'thin card', 'mounting card', 'board') is often preferred for the same material. 'Cardstock' is understood but is an Americanism.
Connotations
In the US, 'cardstock' is the standard, neutral term. In the UK, it may sound overly technical or American, with 'card' being more natural in craft or stationery contexts.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In British English, 'card' is vastly more common, though 'cardstock' is recognized in professional printing and design.
Grammar
How to Use “cardstock” in a Sentence
[print/cut] + on + cardstockmade of + cardstockcardstock + [weight/thickness]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cardstock” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- For the cover, we need a card-weight paper.
- She bought a card insert for the frame.
American English
- Make sure it's a cardstock envelope for durability.
- The flyer was printed on cardstock paper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in print shops and marketing for brochures, business cards, and premium flyers.
Academic
Rare, except in art, design, or material science contexts discussing paper properties.
Everyday
Common in contexts like buying school supplies, wedding invitations, or hobby crafts.
Technical
Precise term in printing and graphic design, specifying paper weight (e.g., 300gsm cardstock).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cardstock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cardstock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardstock”
- Using 'cardstock' as a countable noun (e.g., 'three cardstocks' → 'three sheets of cardstock'). Confusing it with 'cardboard' for thin, non-corrugated items.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cardstock is a thick, stiff paper. Cardboard is generally thicker, often corrugated, and used for boxes and packaging.
It depends on the printer. Many inkjet and laser printers can handle light to medium cardstock, but you must check your printer's specifications for the maximum paper weight it supports.
GSM stands for 'grams per square meter.' It measures the weight and thickness of the paper. Higher GSM means heavier, thicker cardstock (e.g., 300gsm is much thicker than 120gsm).
The closest common equivalent is simply 'card' (as in 'a sheet of thin card'). More specific terms include 'mounting board' or 'cover stock' in professional contexts.
A type of thick, stiff, durable paper used for printing, crafting, and making cards, postcards, and paper-based items.
Cardstock is usually technical/artistic/craft in register.
Cardstock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd.stɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd.stɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STOCK of material for making CARDS → CARDSTOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR CREATION (The foundation/substrate for a finished product).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cardstock' MOST likely to be used?