Library Card: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：library card (library card)

library card 🔊

/ˈlaɪbˌrɛri kɑrd/

A special card from a library that allows you to borrow books and other items for free.

library card 🔊

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/ˈlaɪbˌrɛri kɑrd/

A special card from a library that allows you to borrow books and other items for free.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'library' (Latin 'liber' meaning book) + 'card' (Greek 'chartes' meaning paper).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a magic card that grants free access to thousands of books—your library card.

📖 Example

My daughter was so excited to get her first library card; she immediately ran to the children's section to pick out a storybook. 🔊 My daughter was so excited to get her first library card; she immediately ran to the children's section to pick out a storybook.

🔗 Collocations

apply for a library card – To request and obtain a library membership card

renew a library card – To extend the validity of an existing library membership

show your library card – To present your membership card at the library counter

🔄 Synonyms

borrower's card (n.) – Another term for a card that identifies a library member

library membership card (n.) – A card indicating membership in a library system

reader's card (n.) – A card issued to patrons for borrowing materials

🚫 Antonyms

library fine slip (n.) – A notice of penalty for overdue items, opposite to borrowing privilege

non-member restriction (n.) – The limitation imposed on those without a library card

🌱 Derivatives

cardholder (n.) – A person who holds a library card

cardless (adj.) – Without a library card

card application (n.) – The process of applying for a library card

📖 Cultural Story

Public libraries in the 19th century introduced membership cards to track borrowers. Today, many libraries offer digital versions for self-checkout.