cordovan

1 of 2

adjective

cor·​do·​van ˈkȯr-də-vən 

1

Cordovan : 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 color palette included natural colors, sulphur colors (brown/black and gray/black), cordovan with a black coating over it and purple, which Sebla Onder, Orta’s marketing and sustainability manager, said has been trending up for the last two years. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026

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