a card having holes punched in specific positions and patterns so as to represent data to be stored or processed mechanically, electrically, or photoelectrically.
Also, punchcard, punched card.
Origin
1940-45
Examples from the web for punch card
Previously, commands had to be fed into a computer in batches, usually via a punch card or paper tape.
Since punch card data have a much larger sample size, estimates made from these data will be more accurate and precise.
In many minds, the punch card system of voting was discredited.
The appropriate codes are entered in a master punch card that is used in processing future tax returns.
British Dictionary definitions for punch card
punched card
noun
1.
(formerly) a card on which data can be coded in the form of punched holes. In computing, there were usually 80 columns and 12 rows, each column containing a pattern of holes representing one character Sometimes shortened to card