cordovan

adjective cor·do·van \ ˈkȯr-də-vən \

Definition of cordovan

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

2 : made of cordovan leather

Recent Examples of cordovan from the Web

Thursday Boots just released a limited shell cordovan version of its signature Vanguard boot in two colors, whiskey and burgundy.

— ben boskovich, Esquire, "These Shell Cordovan Boots Cost a Lot Less Than You'd Expect," 20 Jan. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of cordovan

Old Spanish cordovano, from Córdova (now Córdoba), Spain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1591

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

cordovan

noun

Definition of cordovan

1 : a soft fine-grained colored leather

2 : dense nonporous leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide

See cordovan defined for kids

Recent Examples of cordovan from the Web

Kellyanne Conway went sailing off into a truthless land into which not even Richard Nixon ever set down his polished cordovans.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Some Things Used to Be Bigger Than Keeping Your Job," 23 Jan. 2017
But beyond that, shell cordovan is a near-perfect combination of beauty and brawn.

— ben boskovich, Esquire, "These Shell Cordovan Boots Cost a Lot Less Than You'd Expect," 20 Jan. 2017
His primary focus is on traditional men’s shoes like moccasin loafers, derby boots, and German goisers utilizing exotic leathers like polished stingray, alligator, cordovan, military-grade textiles, and heavy canvases for his popular sneakers.

— katie kiefner, Vogue, "Is This Old Southern Town the Next Brooklyn?," 31 July 2017
The Ressence Type 1H also comes with three different strap options: gray calfskin, natural shell cordovan, and black woven nylon with a velcro closure.

— stephen watson, Esquire, "This $23K Watch Will Probably Be Sold Out by the Time You Read About It," 6 Apr. 2017