lanyard

noun

lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd 

1

: a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship

especially : one of the pieces passing through deadeyes to extend shrouds or stays

2

a

: a cord or strap to hold something (such as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck

b

: a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation

3

: a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon)

Examples of lanyard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Attendees, who can ask questions of the founders after the comedians have their fun, sport Patagonia activewear and Wharton Business School lanyards. —Lisa Bonos, Washington Post, 28 July 2024

The vessel came equipped with an emergency kill switch lanyard, designed to shut down the engines if the operator suddenly leaves the captain’s position. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2024

Whereas these tickets, many of them are designed to be put on lanyards. —Claire Jerry, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024

For example, in heavily Republican North Dakota, USA TODAY in June encountered Charles Tuttle, a conservative activist, outside the state capitol collecting signatures to put Kennedy on the ballot while wearing a Trump lanyard around his neck. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lanyer thong, lanyard, from Anglo-French lanier

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lanyard

noun

lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd 

1

: a rope or line for fastening something in ships

2

: a cord worn around the neck or shoulder to hold a knife or whistle

3

: a strong cord used in firing a cannon