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

On this rainy August night, there were plenty of American accents to be heard in the arena; concertgoers were given lanyards with light-up emblems in the shape of cameras, which evoked the album title while also making everyone look like a tourist. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

At one point, Cobos-Martinez went through Nagamallaiah’s pockets and took his phone and a lanyard with a key card, according to the affidavit. —Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2025

The AirPods Pro 3 box will include a lanyard loop, documentation, and the new five-size silicone eartips, alongside the earbuds and their accompanying charging case. —PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

The Beats iPhone 17 Pro Max kickstand case includes a detachable lanyard that can also serve as a kickstand for viewing media. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 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