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

It can easily be brought from the dorm to the lecture hall with its removable lanyard strap, and thanks to the powerful battery, the speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025

Many cast members also wear lanyards or pouches with pins for trading. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 6 May 2025

The main unit is attached to a transparent tilt base that can disperse a little of the projector's laser light when docked, and there's a buckle lanyard for between-use transport. —New Atlas, 12 June 2025

She’s got the hair with the little bangs, and she’s got the skirt with the blouse tucked, and the lanyard. —Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 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