Word
lanyard
Phoneticslan·yard, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫænjɝd/
UK/lˈænjɑːd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a strap or cord you wear around your neck or wrist to hold small things like keys, an ID card, or a whistle.
n. a cord or strap worn around the neck, shoulder, or wrist to secure and carry small objects such as keys, identification cards, or whistles. Common in workplaces, schools, and military and nautical settings for keeping items accessible.
Examples
“She wears a lanyard with her office keys.”
“The new teacher clips her ID badge to a blue lanyard before entering the school building.”
“The sailor coiled the signal halyard's lanyard with practised care, ensuring the rigging would hold fast even in heavy weather off the coast.”
Examples
simple
“She wears a lanyard with her office keys.”
contextual
“The new teacher clips her ID badge to a blue lanyard before entering the school building.”
complex
“The sailor coiled the signal halyard's lanyard with practised care, ensuring the rigging would hold fast even in heavy weather off the coast.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lanyard” in context.
Verb
01. adjust lanyard
“She adjusted her lanyard so her badge was visible.”
verb + noun
02. attach to lanyard
“Attach your whistle to the lanyard before the hike.”
verb + prep + noun
03. hang from lanyard
“Her ID card hangs from a blue lanyard.”
verb + prep + noun
04. lanyard dangles
“His lanyard dangled from his neck as he ran.”
noun + verb
05. lanyard holds
“This lanyard holds my keys and my office pass.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. branded lanyard
“Volunteers received a bright branded lanyard at the entrance.”
adj + noun
07. breakaway lanyard
“Children should use a breakaway lanyard that opens if caught.”
adj + noun
08. nylon lanyard
“Staff wear a sturdy nylon lanyard with the company logo.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. badge on lanyard
“Please show your badge on a lanyard at reception.”
noun + prep + noun
10. keys on lanyard
“He keeps his house keys on a lanyard by the door.”
noun + prep + noun
11. clip it to your lanyard
“Clip it to your lanyard to keep your pass safe.”
12. keep keys on a lanyard
“I keep my keys on a lanyard so I never lose them.”
Real-World Examples
“All staff must now wear a generic purple lanyard with immediate effect.” Etymology
From late Middle English lainer, lainere, lanyer (“strap or thong used to fasten armour”) (with the ending modified in the 17th century under the influence of yard), from Old French laniere, lasniere (“thong, lash”) (see modern French lanière (“lanyard, strap”)). The French word is ultimately from Germanic, cognate with Old High German nestila (“band, headband; strap”) (modern German Nestel (“lace; strap; string”)), Old Norse nesta (“brace; fastener, strap”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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