whipcord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical/Literary
Quick answer
What does “whipcord” mean?
A strong, hard-woven cotton or worsted fabric with a distinct diagonal rib, originally used for making whips.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, hard-woven cotton or worsted fabric with a distinct diagonal rib, originally used for making whips.
A type of tough cord; figuratively, anything characterized by lean, muscular toughness or tautness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both regions understand the textile term. Figurative use might be slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Connotes durability, strength, and no-nonsense practicality in its literal sense. Figuratively, it suggests a lean, athletic build or a tense, tightly controlled situation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Primarily encountered in historical contexts, textile descriptions, or classic literature.
Grammar
How to Use “whipcord” in a Sentence
made of whipcordas tough as whipcordN (fabric/trousers) + of whipcordVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whipcord” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- His vintage motoring coat was fashioned from hard-wearing whipcord.
- The sergeant's uniform included breeches of dark green whipcord.
American English
- She found a pair of classic whipcord pants at the army surplus store.
- The old sofa was upholstered in a faded brown whipcord.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He had a whipcord-lean physique from years of mountain running.
- The atmosphere in the room was whipcord-tense.
American English
- The rancher possessed a whipcord-tough demeanor.
- Her whipcord muscles were evident after the training season.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in niche textile manufacturing or historical costume retail.
Academic
Used in material culture studies, fashion history, and literary analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in textiles, tailoring, and historical reenactment for a specific weave.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whipcord”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'string' or 'rope'. Confusing it with 'corduroy'. Mispronouncing the second syllable (it's 'cord', not 'chord').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are ribbed fabrics, corduroy has a soft, cut-pile surface, whereas whipcord is a hard, flat-woven fabric with a sharp, diagonal rib.
Yes, though it's literary. It can describe a person who is very thin but muscular and strong ('whipcord-thin'), or a situation of extreme tension ('whipcord-taut atmosphere').
No, it is quite rare in everyday language. It is a specialized term used in historical, sartorial, or literary contexts.
The stress is on the first syllable: WHIP-cord. The 'cord' part is pronounced like the word 'cord', not 'chord' (/kɔːd/ in UK, /kɔːrd/ in US).
A strong, hard-woven cotton or worsted fabric with a distinct diagonal rib, originally used for making whips.
Whipcord is usually specialized/technical/literary in register.
Whipcord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪp.kɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪp.kɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[he was] whipcord-tough”
- “nerves of whipcord”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WHIP needing a strong CORD. The fabric is as tough as a whip's lash.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOUGHNESS IS THE TEXTURE OF WHIPCORD (e.g., 'a whipcord resolve').
Practice
Quiz
In a literary context, 'whipcord' is most likely used to describe: