# cords

/ˈkɔɹdz/ (US) · /kˈɔːdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cords
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. trousers

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

trousers made from corduroy, which is a thick cotton fabric with raised lines.

For teachers: trousers manufactured from corduroy fabric. This sense is plural-only and informal in register.

- He wore a pair of brown cords and a wool sweater for the walk.
- The professor was easily identified by his signature green cords and a slightly frayed tweed jacket.

Usage: Always used in the plural when referring to the garment.

Teaching tip: Common in British English as a standard informal term for this specific style of trousers.

### 2. multiple strings

noun · CEFR A2

more than one piece of thick string or thin rope.

For teachers: the plural of cord, referring to multiple lengths of twisted fibres or flexible insulated electrical cables.

- The technician bundled the computer cords together to keep the desk tidy.
- The climbers checked their cords and harnesses one last time before beginning the ascent of the north face.

### 3. body parts

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

parts of the body that look like strings, such as the ones in your throat used for speaking.

For teachers: anatomical structures resembling cords, most commonly referring to the vocal folds.

- The singer had to rest her vocal cords after a long series of concerts.
- The surgeon explained that the tension in the patient's vocal cords was causing the persistent hoarseness.

Usage: Usually appears in the phrase 'vocal cords'.

## Examples

- He wore brown cords and a green sweater to the party.
- Since the office has a casual dress code, many employees wear cords instead of suit trousers during the winter months.
- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.