punch card

A 'punch card' was an early method for data storage and input, crucial in the development of computing and data processing technologies.

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Definition

B2Computing

(historical, technical)A card with holes punched in specific positions to represent data, used in early computers.

Example

  • The punch card was fed into the computer to input the program instructions.
  • Early programmers had to manually punch holes in punch cards to store data.

B1Customer Loyalty Programs

(informal)A card marked with a hole at each purchase, used to track customer loyalty and offer rewards.

Example

  • After ten coffee purchases, the punch card entitles you to a free drink.
  • Make sure to bring your punch card to earn points for each visit.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "punch card":

punch inpunched outpalm cardhole punchpunch outfile cardname carddance cardpunch frontbingo cardpunch downpicture cardpunch uppunch someone's ticketpunching bag