ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cords

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɔɹdz// UK //kˈɔːdz// cords Informal

n. trousers made from corduroy, which is a thick cotton fabric with raised lines on it. They are usually warm and a bit more formal than jeans.

n. trousers manufactured from corduroy fabric, characterized by a distinct pattern of raised parallel lines or wales. Often used in the plural to refer to the garment itself.


SIMPLE

He wore brown cords and a green sweater to the party.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the office has a casual dress code, many employees wear cords instead of suit trousers during the winter months.

COMPLEX

The professor was easily recognizable by his signature attire of faded navy cords and a tweed jacket, a look that had remained unchanged for decades.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From cord + -s.

Etymology 2

Shortening of corduroys

Usage

Usually plural when referring to a pair of trousers; the singular form refers to the fabric or a specific length of string.

Pitfall

I bought a new cord yesterday.I bought new cords yesterday.When referring to trousers, the word must be plural; the singular 'cord' refers to a string or electrical cable.

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