cordonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “cordonnet” mean?
A thick, cord-like thread or yarn, often used in lace-making, embroidery, or tassel-making.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, cord-like thread or yarn, often used in lace-making, embroidery, or tassel-making.
A specific type of silk or rayon thread, tightly twisted and heavy, used for outlining in embroidery (particularly broderie anglaise) or as the core material for tassels and trimmings. Can also refer to a style of thick, rounded cord used in decorative sewing and crafts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identically spelled and used in both varieties. The domain of usage (specialized crafts) shows no regional variation.
Connotations
Conveys precision, tradition, and high-quality craftsmanship in both contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher occurrence in British English due to historical associations with UK-based textile industries (e.g., Nottingham lace), but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “cordonnet” in a Sentence
[material] cordonnet (e.g., silk cordonnet)cordonnet [made] of [material]cordonnet for [purpose] (e.g., for tassels)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cordonnet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cordonnet outline gave the embroidery a raised effect.
- She preferred a cordonnet finish for the lampshade fringe.
American English
- The cordonnet trim added a luxurious texture to the pillow.
- A cordonnet edge is traditional for this type of lace.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the textile supply trade to specify a product category.
Academic
Appears in texts on the history of textiles, fashion, or decorative arts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in embroidery, lace-making, and passementerie patterns and instructions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cordonnet”
- Misspelling as 'cordonet' or 'cordannet'. Using it as a general term for any thick string. Incorrect pronunciation with stress on the last syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific technical term within textile crafts for a tightly twisted, cord-like thread, often made of silk or rayon, used for specific purposes like outlining or as a core for trimmings.
Often yes, especially in passementerie (trimming making). 'Gimp' can be slightly broader, sometimes referring to the braided trim itself, while 'cordonnet' often specifies the thread used to make such trims.
Its usage is hyper-specialized, confined to professional and hobbyist contexts in lace-making, embroidery, and decorative sewing. It has not entered general vocabulary.
Pronounce it as CORD-uh-nay, with the stress on the first syllable. The final 't' is silent.
A thick, cord-like thread or yarn, often used in lace-making, embroidery, or tassel-making.
Cordonnet is usually specialized/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CORD-on-net': a thick CORD used ON the NET background of lace.
Conceptual Metaphor
THREAD IS A ROPE (It is a thickened, reinforced version of a basic thread).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'cordonnet'?