English · Word Candidate

cardboard

/ˈkɑːdbɔːd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: cardboards

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A wood-based material resembling heavy paper, used in the manufacture of boxes, cartons and signs.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Something flat or insubstantial.

Noun

Examples

In my experience, one of the most vital times in the life of a piece of fiction is when a character begins to speak, timidly and softly, in one's head. Honest and true books get written when the author feels free to coax and invite that character in. If the author's response to that small voice is i

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Made of or resembling cardboard.

Adjective

Examples

The thing really looked quite cardboard.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Flat or flavorless.

Adjective

Examples

The worst of the thing, however, is that the enormity, such as it is, happens to be of a very cardboard and tinsel character.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cardboard” mean?

A wood-based material resembling heavy paper, used in the manufacture of boxes, cartons and signs.

Is “cardboard” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.