Cardboard
/ˈkɑːrd.bɔːrd/noun
A stiff, heavy paper-based material used for boxes, signs, and packaging.
Did you know?Unlike words such as ‘nightmare’ or ‘disaster,’ cardboard has no ancient curse or occult origin—it’s a straightforward industrial compound, which makes its plainness the surprise.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
card
“A stiff piece of paper or pasteboard.”
17th Century
English
board
“A flat, rigid piece of wood or other material.”
19th Century
English
cardboard
“A stiff paper material made from pasted or pressed layers of paper pulp.”
Modern English
English
cardboard
“Rigid paperboard used for packaging and construction.”