SIM card

American  

[sim] / sɪm /

noun

1. Subscriber Identity/Identification Module: a removable card inside a cell phone that stores data unique to the user, as an identification number, passwords, phone numbers, and messages.

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SIM Card British  

acronym

1. subscriber identity module card; a small card used in a mobile phone to store data about the network, telephone number, etc

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Etymology

Origin of SIM card

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

She plans to "buy another SIM card to download Max on another phone."

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

The Oslo transport authority, Ruter, said the bus’s mobile-network connection via a Romanian SIM card gave manufacturer Yutong access to the control system for battery and power supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

With smartphones, where Apple leads others often follow - so it launching an iPhone this week without a traditional SIM card is raising questions over the future of a very familiar piece of phone tech.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

Until now, security vulnerabilities have been studied using 'account access graphs', which shows the phone, the SIM card, the Apps, and the security features that limit each stage of access.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024

Many countries will allow you to purchase a pre-paid SIM card for service after you arrive in-country for use with your existing smartphone or another you buy abroad.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2019