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

At the track, the focus is on VIPs with lanyards and wristbands, sipping bubbly in the Emotion Club, Formula E's version of F1's pricey Paddock Club. —ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025

In addition to photograph badges for the media, all reporters were pre-screened by the police in advance, the AMPAS press office required the wearing of green lanyards. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025

Also new for the season are leather goods, which range from sunglass carriers to pencil cases, all with the same D-shaped ring that allows them to be clipped onto a lanyard — for the sake of practicality as much as safety on the go. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025

Several Amazon shoppers, including educators, nurses, and other professionals, use this lanyard daily. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lanyard

• spaniard

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