cords: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “cords” mean?
Thick, ribbed cotton trousers, typically made of corduroy fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Thick, ribbed cotton trousers, typically made of corduroy fabric.
Can refer to electrical cables, anatomical structures like vocal cords, or ropes in specific contexts, but the primary modern meaning is the clothing item.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'cords' is the standard, common term for corduroy trousers. In the US, 'corduroys' or 'cords' are both used, with 'corduroys' being slightly more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry connotations of casual, comfortable, sometimes slightly old-fashioned or academic style.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In US English, the specific term is less common than generic 'pants' or 'trousers'.
Grammar
How to Use “cords” in a Sentence
wear + cordsput on + cordsa pair of + cordsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in casual dress code descriptions.
Academic
Used in descriptions of attire, especially in humanities/social sciences contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing casual clothing.
Technical
Not used. In anatomy/engineering, 'cords' refers to structures like 'spinal cord' or 'umbilical cord', but not as a standalone term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cords”
- Using 'cord' in the singular to refer to the trousers (incorrect: *'I bought a new cord.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You say 'these cords are...' and 'a pair of cords'.
They are synonyms. 'Cords' is a clipped form of 'corduroys'. Usage varies by region, with 'cords' being more British.
No. 'Cord' in the singular refers to a rope or string, or an anatomical structure. The clothing item is always 'cords'.
No, they are considered casual or smart-casual wear. They are not appropriate for formal business or black-tie events.
Thick, ribbed cotton trousers, typically made of corduroy fabric.
Cords: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːrdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed to the nines in cords and a tweed jacket (informal, implying smart-casual).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'cords' in corduroy trousers – the fabric has raised parallel lines that look like little cords or ribs.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A TEXTURED SURFACE (focusing on the ribbed fabric).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cords' most likely to refer to an item of clothing?