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
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
Kruse said Hoffman likely died within minutes of being strangled with a paracord, The Gazette reports.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The paracord handle adds another layer of texture while supplying some protection from a too-hot handle.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2025
The hanging paracord, spaced only a few inches apart, deters birds from attempting to fly through.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024
Passive fishers choose paracord to weave gill nets (no professional rods or lures are allowed).
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 13 June 2024
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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
Kruse said Hoffman likely died within minutes of being strangled with a paracord, The Gazette reports.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The paracord handle adds another layer of texture while supplying some protection from a too-hot handle.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2025
The hanging paracord, spaced only a few inches apart, deters birds from attempting to fly through.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024
Passive fishers choose paracord to weave gill nets (no professional rods or lures are allowed).
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 13 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Paracord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paracord. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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