cord
A cord is a thin piece of rope or a flexible wire used for tying or connecting things.
Explanation at your level:
A cord is a long, thin thing. You can use it to tie things. You can also use it to give power to your phone or your computer. It is like a wire. If you have a lamp, it has a cord. You plug the cord into the wall. Then the lamp turns on. It is very useful!
You use a cord when you need to connect two things. Often, we talk about electrical cords for our devices. If your phone battery is low, you need to find your charging cord. Sometimes, 'cord' also means a thin rope used for tying boxes or bags. It is a very common word in your house.
The word cord is used for various types of flexible materials. While we often use it for electrical cables, it can also refer to ropes or strings made of twisted strands. You might hear people say, 'Please tidy up those messy cords behind the desk.' It is also used in anatomy, such as the 'spinal cord,' which is the bundle of nerves in your back. Understanding the context is key to knowing if it is a wire or a biological structure.
In a B2 context, cord is frequently used in both technical and metaphorical ways. Beyond the physical 'power cord,' we use the term in phrases like 'cutting the cord,' which implies gaining independence. The word carries a sense of connection—whether that is an electrical connection or a symbolic one. It is important to distinguish it from 'chord' in writing, as they are homophones that are frequently confused in professional correspondence.
At the C1 level, you will encounter cord in more nuanced or specialized contexts. It can describe the texture of fabrics, like corduroy, which is named for its 'corded' or ribbed appearance. Furthermore, in medical or scientific literature, it refers to essential biological pathways, such as the vocal cords or the spinal cord. Its usage reflects a transition from a simple tool for binding to a complex term denoting connectivity, structure, and even aesthetic patterns in textiles.
Mastery of the word cord involves recognizing its deep etymological roots and its diverse applications across disciplines. Historically, it evolved from the Greek 'khordē,' linking it to the very concept of tension and vibration. In contemporary usage, it serves as a bridge between the physical and the abstract. Whether discussing the 'umbilical cord' of a political movement or the 'vocal cords' of an opera singer, the word implies a fundamental, life-sustaining, or structural link. It is a testament to how a simple, utilitarian object—a piece of twisted fiber—has become a foundational metaphor for the complex systems that hold our world together, from the literal power grids of our cities to the delicate biological systems within our bodies.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A cord is a flexible rope or wire.
- It is used for tying or connecting power.
- Do not confuse it with the musical 'chord'.
- It is a very common, useful noun.
Hey there! Think of a cord as the middle ground between a piece of thin string and a thick, heavy rope. It is essentially a flexible, twisted material that is super handy for everyday tasks.
You will see this word used in two main ways. First, it refers to physical objects like cables or ropes used to tie things down. Second, we use it for power cords, which are the wires that bring electricity to your computer or lamp.
It is a versatile word, and you will hear it in both casual chats—like asking for a 'phone charging cord'—and in more serious contexts, such as biology when discussing the 'spinal cord.' It is all about things that are long, thin, and flexible!
The word cord has a really cool history! It comes from the Old French word corde, which itself traces back to the Latin chorda, meaning 'string of a musical instrument' or 'gut.'
If you go back even further, it comes from the Greek khordē, which meant the gut of an animal used to make strings for harps and lyres. Isn't that wild? It started as something used for music and evolved into the word we use for everything from shoelaces to high-tech power cables.
Over the centuries, the meaning expanded from just musical strings to any kind of rope or binding material. By the 19th century, it started being used for electrical wires, which is how we use it most often today in our modern, gadget-filled lives.
Using the word cord is pretty straightforward. In daily life, we almost always use it when talking about electronics. You'll hear phrases like 'unplug the cord' or 'a tangled cord' all the time.
When you are talking about tying things, you might use 'cord' to describe something stronger than string but not as thick as a ship's rope. It is a neutral word, meaning it works in almost any situation, whether you are at home or in an office.
A quick tip: be careful not to confuse 'cord' with 'chord.' A chord is a musical term for notes played together, while a cord is the physical object. Even though they sound exactly the same, their spellings and meanings are completely different!
English is full of fun expressions! Here are five common ones:
- Cut the cord: To stop depending on someone, often used when children grow up and move out.
- Strike a chord: When something feels familiar or touches your emotions.
- Umbilical cord: The literal biological cord, but often used metaphorically to describe a close, dependent connection.
- Corduroy: While a fabric, it shares the same root; it refers to a 'corded' or ribbed texture.
- Tied by the cord: Being bound or restricted by a specific duty or obligation.
Grammatically, cord is a countable noun. You can have one cord or many cords. It is very standard and follows regular pluralization rules.
In terms of pronunciation, it is a single-syllable word. In US English, you really hear that 'r' sound—/kɔːrd/. In British English, the 'r' is often softer or silent, sounding more like /kɔːd/.
It rhymes with words like board, sword, lord, hoard, and stored. Because it is a short, punchy word, it is easy to fit into any sentence structure, whether as a subject ('The cord is broken') or an object ('I need a new cord').
Fun Fact
The word is related to the anatomy of the body and musical instruments.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'r' is dropped, sounding like 'cawd'.
The 'r' is clearly pronounced.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' in UK English
- Confusing with 'chord'
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Simple spelling.
Easy to pronounce.
Clear sounds.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
one cord, two cords
Homophones
cord vs chord
Articles
a cord, the cord
Examples by Level
I need a cord for my lamp.
I need a wire for the light.
Use 'a' before cord.
The cord is long.
The wire is not short.
Simple subject-verb.
Plug in the cord.
Connect the wire.
Imperative verb.
Where is my cord?
I cannot find my wire.
Question word.
This is a white cord.
The wire is white.
Adjective usage.
Do not pull the cord.
Don't yank the wire.
Negative command.
I have a new cord.
I bought a new wire.
Possessive verb.
The cord is broken.
The wire does not work.
Passive state.
Can you hand me the charging cord?
The cord is tangled in the drawer.
Be careful not to trip over the cord.
I bought a longer cord for my computer.
The vacuum cord is too short.
She tied the package with a thick cord.
Is this the right cord for the TV?
Please unplug the cord when you leave.
The spinal cord is a vital part of the nervous system.
He used a piece of cord to secure the tent.
There are too many cords under my desk.
She felt like she needed to cut the cord and move out.
The extension cord reached across the entire room.
Check if the power cord is properly connected.
The curtains are held back by a decorative cord.
He damaged the cord while moving the furniture.
The company is trying to cut the cord with its failing subsidiary.
She strained her vocal cords during the performance.
The device comes with a detachable power cord.
He felt a strange sense of loss, as if an umbilical cord had been severed.
The technician replaced the frayed cord immediately.
Make sure the cord is not pinched by the door.
The lamp has a vintage cord that needs updating.
The project was delayed because the connecting cord was missing.
The corduroy fabric is characterized by its distinct vertical cords.
The surgeon carefully avoided the spinal cord during the procedure.
He spoke with such intensity that his vocal cords seemed to vibrate.
The political party finally decided to cut the cord with its radical wing.
The ancient bridge was supported by a massive cord of braided hemp.
The artist used a thin cord to suspend the sculpture from the ceiling.
The connection felt as strong as an umbilical cord.
The report highlights the need to replace the outdated power cords.
The metaphor of the umbilical cord perfectly captured their codependent relationship.
The weaver meticulously twisted the fibers into a singular, resilient cord.
His voice, strained by years of shouting, showed damage to the vocal cords.
The structural integrity of the suspension system relied on the tensile strength of the cord.
She felt a sudden, sharp tug on the metaphorical cord of her conscience.
The archaic term 'cordwainer' originally referred to a shoemaker working with cordovan leather.
The symphony's climax struck a deep, resonant chord within the audience.
The complexity of the nervous system centers on the protection of the spinal cord.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"cut the cord"
to become independent
He finally cut the cord and moved out.
casual"strike a chord"
to resonate with someone
Her story really struck a chord with me.
neutral"umbilical cord"
a deep, dependent connection
They have an umbilical cord relationship.
formal"on a cord"
hanging or suspended
The sign was on a cord.
neutral"cord of wood"
a specific measurement of firewood
We bought a cord of wood for the winter.
formalEasily Confused
They are homophones.
Chord is musical; cord is physical.
He played a chord on the guitar; he plugged in the cord.
Both are used for tying.
Rope is thicker and heavier.
Use a rope for the boat; use a cord for the lamp.
Both are thin.
String is much thinner and weaker.
Use string for a package; use a cord for a device.
Often used interchangeably.
Wire is the metal inside; cord is the whole cable.
The wire is broken; the cord is frayed.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + unplug + the + cord
Please unplug the cord.
Subject + tie + with + a + cord
He tied the box with a cord.
Subject + trip + over + the + cord
I tripped over the cord.
Subject + cut + the + cord
She finally cut the cord.
Subject + damage + the + spinal + cord
The accident damaged his spinal cord.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Chord is musical; cord is physical.
Use the singular form for one object.
Cords are usually thinner than ropes.
The 'o' sound is spelled with an 'o'.
Instruments have strings, not cords.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant cord wrapping around your house.
When Native Speakers Use It
We say 'unplug the cord' more than 'disconnect the cable'.
Cultural Insight
Cutting the cord is a very common metaphor for growing up.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the' before cord.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'or' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't write 'chord' when you mean a wire.
Did You Know?
It started as a musical term!
Study Smart
Draw a picture of a cord to remember the word.
Use Synonyms
Use 'cable' for electronics to sound more technical.
Natural Flow
Keep the 'r' sound soft if you want to sound British.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A CORD connects the power to the BOARD.
Visual Association
A tangled mess of white charging cables.
Word Web
Challenge
Find three things in your room that use a cord.
Word Origin
Latin/Greek
Original meaning: string of a musical instrument
Cultural Context
None, except in medical contexts.
Used daily in households for electricity and in idioms regarding independence.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at home
- unplug the cord
- tangled cords
- charging cord
at work
- power cord
- extension cord
- cable management
in medicine
- spinal cord
- vocal cords
- umbilical cord
in crafts
- braided cord
- tie with cord
- decorative cord
Conversation Starters
"Do you have a lot of tangled cords at home?"
"What do you think 'cutting the cord' means?"
"Have you ever tripped over a power cord?"
"Why do you think music uses the word 'chord'?"
"How do you organize your electrical cables?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to fix something with a piece of cord.
Write about the feeling of becoming independent (cutting the cord).
Imagine a world without any cords. How would we power our devices?
Reflect on the importance of the spinal cord in our bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsA cord is usually a bundle of wires covered in plastic.
That is a chord.
Yes, if it is thin.
The cable that connects a device to electricity.
Yes, you can have one cord or many cords.
It is made of 'cords' or ribs of fabric.
The parts of your throat that make sound.
Yes, it does.
Test Yourself
I need a ___ to plug in my lamp.
Cord is the standard term for electrical wires.
Which word means to stop depending on someone?
Cut the cord is the idiom for independence.
A cord is always made of metal.
Cords can be made of fiber, plastic, or other materials.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations.
Please unplug the cord.
The ___ fabric has a ribbed texture.
Corduroy is named for its corded texture.
What is the etymological root of cord?
It comes from the Greek word for musical string.
You use a cord to tie your shoes.
You use laces for shoes.
Word
Meaning
Common adjectives for cord.
Her vocal cords strained.
Score: /10
Summary
A cord is a versatile, twisted material used for everything from powering your phone to binding your packages.
- A cord is a flexible rope or wire.
- It is used for tying or connecting power.
- Do not confuse it with the musical 'chord'.
- It is a very common, useful noun.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant cord wrapping around your house.
When Native Speakers Use It
We say 'unplug the cord' more than 'disconnect the cable'.
Cultural Insight
Cutting the cord is a very common metaphor for growing up.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the' before cord.
Example
The power cord is too short.
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