a stiff moderately thick paper
"The moving company packed all our fragile dishes in sturdy cardboard boxes to prevent them from breaking during transport."
A wood-based material resembling heavy paper, used in the manufacture of boxes, cartons and signs.
"The delivery arrived wrapped in sturdy cardboard that protected the fragile items inside."
In plain English: Cardboard is thick paper that you can easily bend and fold to make boxes or crafts.
"We used a piece of cardboard to make a box for moving our books."
Usage: Do not confuse "cardboard" with similar-sounding words like "carboard," as it is a distinct material derived from wood pulp. When used figuratively to describe something boring, ensure the context clearly implies a lack of excitement rather than physical texture.
Made of or resembling cardboard; (figuratively) flat or flavorless.
"The movie was a boring, cardboard experience that felt completely two-dimensional and without depth."
In plain English: Cardboard describes something that is made from thick paper and feels soft but easily crushes when you squeeze it.
"The cardboard box was too flimsy to protect the fragile vase inside."
The word cardboard is a straightforward combination of card and board. It was first used to describe stiff paper made by gluing layers together, rather than wood or other traditional materials.