greeting card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral (Used in both formal and informal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “greeting card” mean?
A folded piece of card or heavy paper, usually decorative, bearing a message of celebration, condolence, or goodwill sent or given on a specific occasion or holiday.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A folded piece of card or heavy paper, usually decorative, bearing a message of celebration, condolence, or goodwill sent or given on a specific occasion or holiday.
A physical or, increasingly, digital token used to formally and customarily acknowledge social events, express sentiment, or maintain social bonds; the cultural practice or industry associated with producing and sending such items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very minimal. The term is identical. Minor differences exist in associated vocabulary (e.g., 'post' vs. 'mail' a card). The concept of specific cards (e.g., 'Get Well Soon' vs. 'Sympathy') is largely shared.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: conventional sentiment, social obligation, or thoughtful personal gesture, depending on context.
Frequency
The frequency of use is similar, though cultural practices regarding specific holidays (e.g., Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) may influence local usage peaks.
Grammar
How to Use “greeting card” in a Sentence
VERB + greeting card: send, buy, receive, make, sign, designgreeting card + NOUN: industry, shop, aisle, company, designerADJECTIVE + greeting card: birthday, Christmas, sympathy, thank you, electronicVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greeting card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He greeting-carded his entire family. (Note: This is highly non-standard and presented as an example of incorrect usage.)
American English
- She greeting-carded everyone at the office. (Note: This is highly non-standard and presented as an example of incorrect usage.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Sentences would be unnatural.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Sentences would be unnatural.)
adjective
British English
- The greeting-card industry is thriving.
- She works in a greeting-card shop on the high street.
American English
- The greeting-card industry is a major retailer.
- He designs greeting-card messages for a living.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to corporate gifting, client relations (e.g., 'The firm sends holiday greeting cards to all its partners'), or the multi-billion dollar industry of manufacturing and selling cards.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, sociology, or anthropology to discuss rituals of communication, commercialization of sentiment, or material culture.
Everyday
The most common context: discussing plans for holidays, birthdays, or expressing thanks/condolences. (e.g., 'Did you get Mum a Mother's Day greeting card?')
Technical
In printing, design, or retail sectors, referring to product specifications, inventory, or marketing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greeting card”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greeting card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greeting card”
- Incorrect plural: 'greetings cards' (non-standard) instead of 'greeting cards'.
- Misspelling as one word: 'greetingcard'.
- Using it as a verb (non-standard): 'I'm going to greeting card her.' Correct: 'I'm going to send her a greeting card.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two separate words: 'greeting card'. The hyphenated form 'greeting-card' is only used when it functions as a compound adjective (e.g., greeting-card industry).
A postcard is typically a single, stiff rectangle, often featuring a photograph of a place, with space for a short message and an address on the back; it's meant to be posted without an envelope. A greeting card is usually folded, decorative, contains a pre-printed message for an occasion, and is sent in an envelope.
Yes, in extended modern usage, 'greeting card' can encompass digital equivalents, often called 'e-cards' or 'electronic greeting cards'. The core meaning of a conveyed sentimental message for an occasion remains.
No, 'greetings card' is a common error. The standard form is 'greeting card' (singular 'greeting'), as it is a card for the purpose of conveying a greeting.
A folded piece of card or heavy paper, usually decorative, bearing a message of celebration, condolence, or goodwill sent or given on a specific occasion or holiday.
Greeting card is usually neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts) in register.
Greeting card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːtɪŋ ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːt̬ɪŋ ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Signed, sealed, delivered (referring to the act of sending a card). Note: 'greeting card' itself is not idiomatic; it is a literal compound.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two words: a GREETING (a message you say when you meet someone) put on a CARD (a piece of stiff paper). It's a paper-based greeting you send, not say.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GREETING CARD IS A SOCIAL CONTRACT (fulfils an obligation), A GREETING CARD IS A CONTAINER FOR SENTIMENT (holds emotion), A GREETING CARD IS A BRIDGE (maintains connections over distance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'greeting card'?