cording: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “cording” mean?
The act of tying or fastening with cord, or the material used for this purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of tying or fastening with cord, or the material used for this purpose.
A decorative trimming made of cord, often used in upholstery, dressmaking, or military uniforms. In IT/tech contexts, it can refer to the process of organizing cables or wires.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use the term in upholstery and tailoring contexts.
Connotations
Neutral; a technical/specialist term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific trades or crafts.
Grammar
How to Use “cording” in a Sentence
[verb] + cording (e.g., sew, attach, use)cording + [prep] + [noun] (e.g., cording on the sleeves, cording for the cushion)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cording” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is cording the parcel securely before posting.
- The tailor spent the afternoon cording the hem of the ceremonial robe.
American English
- He's cording the bundle of newspapers for recycling.
- The decorator is cording the edges of the new cushions.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The cording technique used here is traditional.
- We offer a cording service for your drapery.
American English
- The cording material should be colorfast.
- Look for the cording foot for your sewing machine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in textile or furniture manufacturing/supply.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical studies of costume or interior design.
Everyday
Very rare; unlikely in general conversation.
Technical
Common in tailoring, upholstery, and craft instructions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cording”
- Misspelling as 'cording' (with an 'a') or confusing it with 'coding'. Using it as a common verb (the verb is 'to cord', 'cording' is the gerund/noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In sewing and upholstery, they are very similar. Piping often has a filler cord inside a fabric strip, while cording can refer to the cord itself or a decorative cord sewn onto the surface.
Yes, the verb is 'to cord'. 'Cording' is its present participle or gerund, meaning 'the act of tying with cord'.
No, it's a low-frequency, specialized term used mainly in crafts, tailoring, and upholstery.
'Cord' is the material (a length of twisted strands). 'Cording' often refers to cord used for a specific purpose (like decoration/trimming) or the technique of applying it.
The act of tying or fastening with cord, or the material used for this purpose.
Cording is usually technical, specialized in register.
Cording: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːdɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrdɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CORD-ing: you use a CORD for tying or as a decorative INGredient.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE AS BINDING (the cording provides structure and finished edges).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cording' LEAST likely to be used?