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

The lanyards can be picked up at the information desk on the arrivals level, between baggage claims 5 and 6. —Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025

Optional add-ons include a 4D theater experience, carousel rides, glow-with-the-show light-up lanyards, photos with Santa, a dinner buffet and more. —Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 15 Nov. 2025

This set has a detachable lanyard and two small pouches with zippers to keep everything secure. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

Princess Beatrice, 37, wore a name tag on a lanyard with her business casual outfit, and a close look showed that her royal title on the badge wasn't technically correct. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 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