ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cord

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɔɹd// UK //kˈɔːd// cord Archaic

n. a thin, strong piece of rope or string made of several threads twisted together. It is also used to describe the long, flexible cables that connect electrical tools or lamps to a power source.

n. a long, thin, flexible length of twisted strands or fibers, intermediate in thickness between a string and a rope. Also used to denote anatomical structures resembling a string or electrical cables connecting appliances to a socket.


SIMPLE

The lamp has a long white cord.

CONTEXTUAL

He tied the heavy bundle of newspapers together with a piece of thick nylon cord.

COMPLEX

The technician carefully untangled the power cord from the desk legs to ensure the server remained connected during the office relocation.

Synonyms
Usage

Countable when referring to a specific length or cable; uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.

Pitfall

I need to plug in the chordI need to plug in the cordLearners often confuse 'cord' (string/cable) with 'chord' (a group of musical notes played together).

Idioms2 entries

© 2026 English Reference