cordovan

1 of 2

adjective

cor·​do·​van ˈkȯr-də-vən 

1

capitalized : of or relating to Córdoba and especially Córdoba, Spain

2

: made of cordovan leather

cordovan

2 of 2

noun

1

: a soft fine-grained colored leather

2

: dense nonporous leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide

Examples of cordovan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Thursday Boots just released a limited shell cordovan version of its signature Vanguard boot in two colors, whiskey and burgundy. —Ben Boskovich, Esquire, 20 Jan. 2017

Noun

The selection of a cordovan upper bumps it by an additional $1,850; while choosing ostrich, lizard, or crocodile increases it by a further, $2,450, $2,650, and $4,200, respectively. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2024

For the best deal, check out the light brown elk-mountain red combo for $62 down from $100, or the dark brown cordovan and squash pair that are starting at $60. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

in sense 1 from Córdova, Córdoba + -an entry 2; in sense 2 attributive use of cordovan entry 2

Noun

borrowed from 16th-century Spanish cordován (now usually cordobán), from Córdova, Córdoba córdoba, city in Spain where such leather was produced + -án, Mozarabic variant of -ano -an entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cordovan

• nonwoven
• cloven
• hoven
• woven
• interwoven

Kids Definition

cordovan

noun

cor·​do·​van

ˈkȯrd-ə-vən

1

: a soft fine-grained colored leather

2

: thick leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide

cordovan adjective