letter card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “letter card” mean?
A card, often decorative, bearing a written or printed message, typically sent by post on special occasions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A card, often decorative, bearing a written or printed message, typically sent by post on special occasions.
1. A card used for educational purposes, especially for teaching children to recognize letters. 2. A specific type of postal stationery, such as an aerogramme or a pre-paid postal card designed for writing a letter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'letter card' is rarely used for greeting cards; 'greetings card' or 'card' is standard. 'Letter card' is more likely to be understood as postal stationery (like an air letter card). In the US, the term is uncommon, with 'greeting card', 'card', or 'postcard' being standard. The educational use (flashcards with letters) is understood in both.
Connotations
In the UK, can sound slightly old-fashioned or technical/postal. In the US, it sounds unfamiliar or overly literal for a greeting card.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use. More common in specific contexts: educational resources (UK/US) or postal terminology (UK).
Grammar
How to Use “letter card” in a Sentence
I VERB a letter card for NOUN (e.g., I bought a letter card for her birthday).She VERB me a letter card (ditransitive).The letter card VERB PREP the table (location).Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in the greeting card industry. Could refer to corporate thank-you cards.
Academic
Used in literacy education to refer to alphabet flashcards.
Everyday
Primarily for sending birthday, Christmas, or congratulatory messages via post.
Technical
In philately (stamp collecting), refers to a specific type of postal stationery, such as an 'air letter card' (aerogramme).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “letter card”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “letter card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “letter card”
- Using 'letter card' as a verb (e.g., 'I will letter card you' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'postcard' (which typically has a picture on one side).
- Using it as a direct translation for all types of cards (e.g., credit card, business card).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A postcard usually has a picture on one side and is sent without an envelope. A 'letter card' is a broader term that can include postcards but also refers to folded greeting cards that are sealed in an envelope.
No, that would be incorrect and confusing. A business card is specifically for contact details. 'Letter card' implies a message is written on it.
It is not the most common term. 'Greeting card', 'card', or 'postcard' are used more frequently in everyday language. 'Letter card' is more niche, used in educational or philatelic contexts.
An aerogramme is a specific type of letter card: a lightweight, pre-paid, foldable sheet for international airmail, where the writing paper and envelope are one. 'Letter card' is a more general term that can include aerogrammes.
A card, often decorative, bearing a written or printed message, typically sent by post on special occasions.
Letter card is usually neutral to informal in register.
Letter card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛtə ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛt̬ɚ ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'letter card'. A related phrase: 'get your cards' (UK, informal for being dismissed from a job).]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LETTER you write, but on a CARD you post. It combines the purpose (letter) with the physical object (card).
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL OBJECT FOR A SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP (A card maintains or celebrates a connection). MESSAGE IS A PHYSICAL GIFT (The card is a tangible token of thought).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'letter card' LEAST likely to be used?