cord

noun

\ ˈkȯrd

Definition of cord

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a long slender flexible material usually consisting of several strands (as of thread or yarn) woven or twisted together

b : the hangman's rope

2 : a moral, spiritual, or emotional bond

3a : an anatomical structure (such as a nerve or tendon) resembling a cord especially : umbilical cord sense 1a

b : a small flexible insulated electrical cable having a plug at one or both ends used to connect a lamp or other appliance with a receptacle

4 : a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic feet

5a : a rib like a cord on a textile

b(1) : a fabric made with such ribs or a garment made of such a fabric

(2) cords plural : trousers made of such a fabric

cord

verb

corded; cording; cords

Definition of cord (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish, bind, or connect with a cord

2 : to pile up (wood) in cords

Other Words from cord Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about cord

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Synonyms for cord

Synonyms: Noun

cable, lace, lacing, line, rope, string, wire

Examples of cord in a Sentence

Noun

She wore the key on a cord around her neck. They used cords to tie the tent to the trees.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Is the Killer AX 1650 enough to convince all gamers to cut the cord? — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Killer's AX 1650 network card taps Wi-Fi 6 for wireless gaming that doesn't suck," 15 Apr. 2019 Terrain’s Wildfire pillar offers a realistic flickering flame, and can be handily recharged with a USB cord. — Kim Cook, The Seattle Times, "A small but social spot: Trends in front-porch decorating," 26 Mar. 2019 New ones are typically battery-operated while antique ones light up with a power cord. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees Are Making a Comeback," 7 Dec. 2018 She was also bound with a cord and partially dressed. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "BTK killer Dennis Rader tells all in unheard interview for doc: 'It's a demon that's within me'," 21 Aug. 2018 Some say she was strangled with a silken cord while praying, and others claim she was smothered between two feather mattresses. — Anne Thériault, Longreads, "Queens of Infamy: Joanna of Naples," 3 July 2018 He was found bludgeoned to death with a cord around his neck by a co-star who had gone to Crane's apartment to work with him on some lines from the play. — John D'anna, azcentral, "'Hogan's Heroes' star Bob Crane was murdered 40 years ago. Why does it still fascinate us?," 29 June 2018 Doyle had been tied to a living room chair with parachute cord. — Michael Gordon, charlotteobserver, "He was found dead, bound with parachute chord. Juries couldn't decide if these men did it.," 28 May 2018 Electronics travel organizer: Keep your cords and chargers organized with this compact, rip-resistant bag ($20.44) from Zero Grid. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The ultimate van life shopping guide," 14 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Unfortunately the miter saw is the only Dewalt tool capable of going corded, for now. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "Go Corded or Cordless with Metabo HPT MultiVolt Power Tools," 19 Oct. 2018 Cordless or corded — what are the advantages of each? — Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, "8 Dyson Vacuum Cleaners Are on Sale for Up to $150 Off," 1 Mar. 2019 Well-made with cording around edges and a flap under the zipper for further protection The testers found this product very comfortable to sleep on. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "Best Anti-Allergy Bedding," 10 Aug. 2010 The landline telephone — curly corded, cord-free, rotary or with chunky plastic buttons — used to be a fixture of American homes. — Tracey Lien, latimes.com, "More than half of U.S. households have ditched landline phones," 7 June 2018 Compact reciprocating saws - corded or cordless - cost $80-$120, depending on make and model. — Shannon Tompkins, Houston Chronicle, "Fillet blade a cut above the rest for anglers," 6 June 2018 Non-Ombré: Wynn Neon corded rug, $25 at urbanoutfitters.com. — Katy Schneider, The Cut, "Longchamp’s New Flagship, Depop Goes Brick-and-Mortar, and Goat Yoga in Bushwick," 15 Apr. 2018 Arceo was not at home at the time, and returned to find his wife lying in a pool of blood, and his daughter cording to court records. — Crimesider Staff, CBS News, "Tears, curses fill Utah court as killer of mother of two is sentenced," 12 Apr. 2018 Amazon's best-selling oscillating power tools are also on sale today, the Porter-Cable PCE605K corded oscillating multi-tool kit. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Help Your Sink Gargle Garbage With Today's Amazon Deals," 15 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for cord

Noun

Middle English cord, corde, borrowed from Anglo-French corde "string, rope," going back to Latin chorda, corda "tripe, string of a musical instrument," borrowed from Greek khordḗ "catgut, string of a musical instrument, sausage," in plural "guts, tripe" — more at yarn entry 1

Verb

Middle English corden "to string a bow," in part derivative of cord, corde cord entry 1, in part borrowed from Anglo-French corder "to tie with a cord"

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