corduroy

noun cor·du·roy \ ˈkȯr-də-ˌrȯi \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of corduroy

plural corduroys

1 a corduroys plural : trousers of corduroy fabric

b : a durable usually cotton pile fabric with vertical ribs or wales

2 : logs laid side by side transversely to make a road surface

See corduroy defined for English-language learners

See corduroy defined for kids

Examples of corduroy in a Sentence

a jacket made of corduroy

Recent Examples of corduroy from the Web

Those days were fleeting, however, as the social/political/economic climate would soon take a turn for the worse, replacing hopeful optimism with bitter cynicism and ushering in the practice of pairing brown corduroys with brown shoes.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "Genesis Essentia Concept: High-Tech Coupe Dreams," 29 Mar. 2018
Sitting a few feet from them is a thin, pleasant-looking man with a gentle vibe in a light brown corduroy suit.

— robert morast, Houston Chronicle, "Wes Anderson talks 'Isle of Dogs'," 20 Mar. 2018
One of her latest versions comes in pink corduroy — one of the year’s most popular and versatile colors.

— sophia markoulakis, San Francisco Chronicle, "Five fashionable — and functional — takes on the jumpsuit," 15 Mar. 2018
Land of Distraction rayon-spandex blend striped pants, $325; oversize cotton snap hoodie, $375; and high-waist corduroy flares, $350; at landofdistraction.com.

— hayley phelan, New York Times, "What to Talk About at New York Fashion Week," 7 Feb. 2018
Meanwhile, Jay-Z wore a custom corduroy tux by Musika Frère complete with a bow-tie.

— christian allaire, Vogue, "Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Couple Style Channels Bonnie and Clyde," 28 Jan. 2018
In reality, that means creamy corduroy in the morning and some icy patches developing later in the day.

— john hopewell, Washington Post, "Hit the slopes: Mid-Atlantic ski areas have plenty of snow to plow through this warm spell," 10 Jan. 2018
There were corduroy double-breasted blazers and coats in wine and soft pink, wide leg trouser suits, fluffy wool capes worn over sheer black lace blouses and dresses, and handkerchief hem crepe skirts.

— sylvia hui, The Seattle Times, "London fashion: 70s vibe at Mouret, glamour from Temperley," 18 Feb. 2018
The object of their admiration, meanwhile — here called Amos Bardi and played as an adult by Toby Sebastian — is a singularly bland talent, a mopey presence in cardigans and corduroy.

— jeannette catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: Andrea Bocelli, From Cradle to Stage in ‘The Music of Silence’," 1 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of corduroy

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1791

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, duck, flock, lawn, toile

corduroy

verb

Definition of corduroy

corduroyed; corduroying

transitive verb

: to build (a road) of logs laid side by side transversely; also : to build a corduroy road across

Recent Examples of corduroy from the Web

The trick is finding the right color: lean in to corduroy's '70s feeling with rich cognac, or play the part of the refined Italian guy with a dusty green.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "The Corduroy Suit Is for Vintage Hunters, Italian Dandies, and Everyone in Between," 9 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of corduroy

1854

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Transportation Terms

camber, demurrage, milestone

CORDUROY Defined for English Language Learners

corduroy

noun

Definition of corduroy for English Language Learners

: a strong cotton cloth with straight raised lines on it
corduroys : pants made of corduroy

CORDUROY Defined for Kids

corduroy

noun cor·du·roy \ ˈkȯr-də-ˌrȯi \

Definition of corduroy for Students

1 : a heavy ribbed usually cotton cloth

2 corduroys plural : trousers made of a heavy ribbed cloth

Learn More about corduroy

See words that rhyme with corduroy Spanish Central: Translation of corduroy Nglish: Translation of corduroy for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corduroy

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up corduroy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

corduroy

Definition of corduroy

Examples of corduroy in a Sentence

Recent Examples of corduroy from the Web

Origin and Etymology of corduroy

Other Textiles Terms

corduroy

Definition of corduroy

Recent Examples of corduroy from the Web

First Known Use of corduroy

Other Transportation Terms

CORDUROY Defined for English Language Learners

corduroy

Definition of corduroy for English Language Learners

CORDUROY Defined for Kids

corduroy

Definition of corduroy for Students

Learn More about corduroy

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes