catch-cord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, specialized term)Technical, specialized, or formal when used in specific fields (e.g., sailing, upholstery, outdoor gear). Casual in everyday contexts like clothing.
Quick answer
What does “catch-cord” mean?
A cord, string, or thin rope used to secure, tie, or bind something, often temporarily or in a way that allows for quick release.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cord, string, or thin rope used to secure, tie, or bind something, often temporarily or in a way that allows for quick release.
In specific contexts, it can refer to a cord used to gather or secure fabric (like on a duvet cover or hoodie), a lanyard, or a cord attached to a key, whistle, or tool to prevent loss. It can also imply a cord for pulling or activating something, like a ripcord.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is not a high-frequency everyday word. In the US, 'drawstring', 'lanyard', 'pull cord', or 'tie cord' might be more common in equivalent contexts. In the UK, it might be slightly more prevalent in technical or nautical settings.
Connotations
Neutral/functional. In both, it suggests utility and purpose over style.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. More likely found in technical manuals, product descriptions for outdoor/sailing gear, or sewing/upholstery contexts than in daily conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “catch-cord” in a Sentence
[Verb] + catch-cord + [Prepositional Phrase]: 'He threaded the catch-cord through the grommet.'[Noun] + [Preposition] + catch-cord: 'a jacket with a catch-cord at the hem'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catch-cord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – it is a noun.
American English
- N/A – it is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A – it is a noun.
American English
- N/A – it is a noun.
adjective
British English
- N/A – it is a noun.
American English
- N/A – it is a noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product specifications for apparel, luggage, or safety gear.
Academic
Rare; might appear in material science or design papers discussing fastening systems.
Everyday
Used when describing features on clothing (e.g., hoodies, anoraks), duvet covers, or bags.
Technical
Common in sailing (for securing sails/gear), upholstery, parachuting ('ripcord' is a specialized type), and industrial safety.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catch-cord”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catch-cord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catch-cord”
- Using 'catch-cord' for any string or rope (overextension).
- Misspelling as 'catch chord' (confusion with music).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I catch-corded it' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar and often overlap. A drawstring is specifically for gathering or tightening (like on sweatpants). A catch-cord has a broader function of securing or preventing loss, which can include a drawstring's function but also extends to safety tethers and lanyards.
Yes, but it's quite specific. In casual talk about clothing, 'drawstring' or just 'cord' is more common. Use 'catch-cord' when you want to emphasize its securing or safety function.
A ripcord is a specific type of catch-cord designed for rapid release or deployment (e.g., in a parachute). All ripcords are catch-cords, but not all catch-cords are ripcords.
Yes, the standard form is hyphenated: 'catch-cord'. It may sometimes be seen as two separate words ('catch cord') in less formal writing, but the hyphenated form is more conventional for this compound noun.
A cord, string, or thin rope used to secure, tie, or bind something, often temporarily or in a way that allows for quick release.
Catch-cord is usually technical, specialized, or formal when used in specific fields (e.g., sailing, upholstery, outdoor gear). casual in everyday contexts like clothing. in register.
Catch-cord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃ ˌkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃ ˌkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated; it is a compound noun describing an object)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **cord** that **catches** something from falling away or keeps it secure – like a key lanyard that *catches* your keys before they fall down a drain.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS HOLDING; PREVENTION IS A NET/CATCH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'catch-cord' be LEAST appropriate?