cordage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, C2 levelTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “cordage” mean?
Ropes or cords, especially the ropes and lines used on a ship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Ropes or cords, especially the ropes and lines used on a ship.
1. A quantity or collection of cords or ropes. 2. The ropes and lines of a sailing vessel's rigging. 3. In botany, the stringy fiber of certain plants, such as hemp or jute, suitable for making rope.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with sailing, maritime history, and traditional crafts in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora for both BrE and AmE. Slightly higher potential frequency in specific maritime, historical, or textile manufacturing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cordage” in a Sentence
[N of cordage][Adj + cordage][V + cordage] (e.g., inspect, repair, manufacture)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cordage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This term is not used as a verb.
American English
- This term is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The cordage industry once thrived in this port town.
- They inspected the cordage locker.
American English
- The museum has a cordage exhibit featuring hemp and sisal.
- Check the cordage supplies in the boathouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in maritime supply, yachting equipment, or historical reenactment material businesses.
Academic
Used in historical, maritime, archaeological, or textile studies discussing materials and technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used. One would say 'rope' or 'ropes'.
Technical
Used in sailing, rigging, historical shipbuilding, and certain craft/manufacturing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cordage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cordage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cordage”
- Using 'cordage' to refer to a single piece of string.
- Pronouncing it as /kɔːrˈdeɪdʒ/ (like 'corsage').
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'rope' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it refers to ropes, 'cordage' is a collective term, often implying a supply or a set of ropes used for a specific purpose, especially in nautical contexts. 'Rope' can refer to a single piece.
It would sound very unusual and overly technical. In 99% of everyday situations, use 'rope' or 'ropes'. Reserve 'cordage' for discussions about sailing, history, or specific crafts.
'Rigging' refers specifically to the system of ropes, chains, and wires used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing vessel. 'Cordage' is a broader term for ropes and cords, which can include rigging but also other ropes on a ship (e.g., mooring lines) or ropes not on a ship at all.
It is generally treated as an uncountable (mass) noun. You would refer to 'some cordage', 'a lot of cordage', or 'the ship's cordage', not 'three cordages'.
Ropes or cords, especially the ropes and lines used on a ship.
Cordage is usually technical/formal in register.
Cordage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːdɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrdɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms featuring 'cordage'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHIP's CORD(s) of AGE — the old ropes (cordage) used on historic vessels.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE CORDS (e.g., 'the cordage of the internet', though this is a rare poetic extension).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cordage' MOST appropriately used?