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

Diego Rodriguez’s work uniform as a photographer consists of knee pads, a camera and a lanyard strung with animal call whistles. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Fairphone also sells a few accessories, including a case, a lanyard, and alternative back panels with a card holder or a finger loop. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

For example, cheap hooks will hold a lanyard but not a backpack. — Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

To secure your discount, simply select two earplug styles to bundle, pick out your two free Curvd lanyards (one for each earplug style), and head to checkout. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

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