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

Lynette Hooker was wearing the keys, also known as an engine’s safety lanyard — a cord designed to cut power if the operator is thrown overboard — according to his account shared by police. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026

This $29 lanyard is slim with a secure lock to keep your phone in place. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

The LifeStation Sidekick Home comes with a base station, a wearable lanyard button, and a getting started guide. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026

Those who purchased tickets received 14 one-ounce pours as well as a commemorative wine glass and a small snack tray with a lanyard holding it, and a bag of kettle corn. —David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 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