paracord
noun
para·cord
ˈper-ə-ˌkȯrd 
ˈpa-rə-
plural paracords
: a lightweight braided rope that is usually made of nylon or polyester and consists of a woven outer sheath enclosing several strands of fibers
First used during World War II, paracord (or parachute cord) is a very strong nylon cord that can be used in lieu of shoelaces, bungee cords, or rope in emergency situations.—
Nanette Donohue
Nanette DonohueParacord can be made of either nylon or polyester. However, nylon is considered to be a true paracord due to being more durable and resistant to the elements.—Stephen Morin
Stephen MorinNylon paracord is strong enough for emergency uses, yet light and easy to carry …—Felicity Warner
—often used before another nounFelicity Warnerparacord cables
She explained that paracord bracelets … provide 7.5 feet of cord that can hold up to 550 pounds of weight.—Marianne Napoles
Marianne NapolesExamples of paracord in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Police went on to recover evidence believed to be associated with the incidents, including zip ties, duct tape and paracord, per a release from the UCLA Police Department.
—Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
He was found with zip ties, duct tape, and paracord, authorities said.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Akindahunsi was found with zip ties, duct tape and a paracord when authorities took him into custody, the school’s police department said in a statement last week.
—Erick Mendoza, NBC news, 3 June 2026
Investigators recovered evidence believed to be associated with the attacks, including zip ties, duct tape, and paracord.
—City News Service, Daily News, 30 May 2026
The new Customization Bar lets customers personalize their footwear with pieces like colorful beads and paracords which can be added to laces, or links to elevate loafers.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 May 2026
The paracord pendant is a real outdoor boon: It can be taken off and used to rig up anything from animal snares to shelters, lash rafts, or, in a pinch, a tourniquet.
—Chris Haslam, Wired News, 24 May 2026
That’s because, in her natural state, Krebs is twisted tight as paracord.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026
What's more, its edge is precision-ground to deliver clean cuts on everything from paper and packages to paracord and fabrics.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
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Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
He was found with zip ties, duct tape, and paracord, authorities said.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Akindahunsi was found with zip ties, duct tape and a paracord when authorities took him into custody, the school’s police department said in a statement last week.
—Erick Mendoza, NBC news, 3 June 2026
Investigators recovered evidence believed to be associated with the attacks, including zip ties, duct tape, and paracord.
—City News Service, Daily News, 30 May 2026
The new Customization Bar lets customers personalize their footwear with pieces like colorful beads and paracords which can be added to laces, or links to elevate loafers.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 May 2026
The paracord pendant is a real outdoor boon: It can be taken off and used to rig up anything from animal snares to shelters, lash rafts, or, in a pinch, a tourniquet.
—Chris Haslam, Wired News, 24 May 2026
That’s because, in her natural state, Krebs is twisted tight as paracord.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026
What's more, its edge is precision-ground to deliver clean cuts on everything from paper and packages to paracord and fabrics.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paracord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paracord. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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