swipe card

noun

1. a plastic card with magnetically encoded data that is decoded when passed through a slotted electronic reader, especially for payment or identification purposes.

swipe card

noun

1. a credit card, identity card, etc, with a magnetic strip that holds encoded information that can be electronically interpreted as it is passed through the slot of a machine designed to read it

Word History and Origins

Origin of swipe card¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Maine authorities have managed to thwart poaching in the state using new controls including a swipe card system meant to deter illegal sales.

From Seattle Times

Mr O'Donnell said Dean had been placed on administrative duties following an investigation, but he was still able to use his swipe card in 2023 - which was finally deactivated after it was identified that he had taken the drugs.

From BBC

In 1998 Horizon was being developed by a firm called ICL, owned by Fujitsu, as a way of paying welfare benefits through Post Office counters using a swipe card.

From BBC

Fuller gained access to morgues using his employee swipe card, choosing times when he knew staff had gone home so the areas were left unattended.

From BBC

On 12 March this year, Harrison fled the ward after a nurse using a swipe card opened a secure door.

From BBC