punch card
noun
: a card in which holes are punched in designated positions to represent data
called also Hollerith card, punched card
Examples of punch card in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the time, most of the world’s computers—massive machines that stored data on punch cards or magnetic tape—resided in large corporate offices and government labs.
—
Shaun Raviv, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2020
In an era when data had to be stored on punch cards, this was almost impossible.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024
This was a groundbreaking tool that revolutionized how numbers were crunched, moving from mainframes and punch cards to something that could be run on a personal computer.
—Steve Murphy, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Over time, programs evolved alongside other technologies, making redemption more efficient and eliminating the need to store physical stamps and punch cards.
—Allen Kopelman, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punch card 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shaun Raviv, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2020
In an era when data had to be stored on punch cards, this was almost impossible.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024
This was a groundbreaking tool that revolutionized how numbers were crunched, moving from mainframes and punch cards to something that could be run on a personal computer.
—Steve Murphy, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Over time, programs evolved alongside other technologies, making redemption more efficient and eliminating the need to store physical stamps and punch cards.
—Allen Kopelman, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punch card
Dictionary Entries Near punch card
Cite this Entry
“Punch card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch%20card. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share