red card

American

noun

Soccer. a red card shown by the referee to a player being sent off the field for a flagrant violation.

red card British

noun

a card of a red colour displayed by a referee to indicate that a player has been sent off

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

(tr) to send off (a player)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Arda Guler, who scored Real's first two goals, was given a red card in the aftermath of the defeat after storming over to the referee.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Michael Carrick said it was "one of the worst" decisions he has seen and the United boss suggested the club will appeal against the Argentine's red card.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The red card was to prove costly for him, and his team as the hosts made the most of their advantage.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

With Martinez equally unlikely to get his red card against the Elland Road outfit overturned, it leaves Carrick with a major decision to make for Saturday's crucial trip to Chelsea.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“And then apply it to the card,” he finished, holding up the dripping red card for us to see.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023