show card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Commercial
Quick answer
What does “show card” mean?
A small printed card or poster, often used for display in a retail or advertising context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small printed card or poster, often used for display in a retail or advertising context.
Any card or placard used to visually present information, often in a sales or promotional setting; historically, a piece of cardstock used by performers or presenters to display messages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more common in British retail and advertising contexts. In the US, terms like 'sign card', 'display card', or 'counter card' might be used with similar meaning.
Connotations
In the UK, it has a slightly more established, traditional commercial feel. In the US, it may sound somewhat dated or specifically British.
Frequency
Rare in general conversation; used primarily within specific industries. Frequency is marginally higher in UK commercial English.
Grammar
How to Use “show card” in a Sentence
The [noun] features a show card.They placed a show card in the [location].The [adjective] show card advertised the [product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We need a new show-card design for the launch.
American English
- The show-card printer delivered the samples.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in marketing and retail for describing in-store promotional materials.
Academic
Rare; might appear in studies of advertising history or graphic design.
Everyday
Very rare; an average speaker is unlikely to use this term.
Technical
Standard term in the printing, advertising, and retail display industries.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show card”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'I will show card' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'showcase' or 'scorecard'.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words. The hyphenated form 'show-card' is sometimes used when it functions as a compound adjective (e.g., show-card printing).
Its main purpose is to advertise or promote a product, service, or event visually, usually in a retail or commercial space.
No. 'Show card' is exclusively a noun. The verb 'show' and the noun 'card' are separate words that form a fixed compound noun.
A show card is typically smaller, made of thicker cardstock, and often designed for countertop or shelf display. A poster is usually larger, printed on paper, and designed for wall mounting.
A small printed card or poster, often used for display in a retail or advertising context.
Show card is usually technical/commercial in register.
Show card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for this compound term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician SHOWing a playing CARD; a 'show card' is a card you show to customers.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CARD IS A MESSENGER (it carries and presents a promotional message).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the term 'show card'?