cordovan

1 of 2

adjective

cor·​do·​van ˈkȯr-də-vən How to pronounce cordovan (audio)
1
capitalized : of or relating to Córdoba and especially Córdoba, Spain
2
: made of cordovan leather

cordovan

2 of 2

noun

1
: a soft fine-grained colored leather
2
: dense nonporous leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide

Examples of cordovan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Thursday Boots just released a limited shell cordovan version of its signature Vanguard boot in two colors, whiskey and burgundy. Ben Boskovich, Esquire, 20 Jan. 2017
Noun
Clients have the opportunity to select their preferred color and type of leather, ranging from standards like smoothed or grained calfskin, cordovan, or suede, as well as Suzuki’s enviable selection of exotic skins including crocodile, lizard, and ostrich. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2024 The selection of a cordovan upper bumps it by an additional $1,850; while choosing ostrich, lizard, or crocodile increases it by a further, $2,450, $2,650, and $4,200, respectively. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2024 For the best deal, check out the light brown elk-mountain red combo for $62 down from $100, or the dark brown cordovan and squash pair that are starting at $60. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2023 The cordovan iteration is a far cry from the utilitarian style Paul Sperry created in 1935 to avoid slipping on his boat’s deck, but as Bastian explains, that’s precisely its appeal. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2023 There are cow-print pony-hair snaffles and punchy two-tone penny loafers alongside the perennial snuff suede and cordovan. Benedict Browne, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2021 But its centerpiece is undoubtedly an Authentic Original boat shoe constructed from shell cordovan. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2023 To mark its 15th anniversary, the shop has offered pre-orders of limited-edition cordovan styles from makers like Rancourt and Alden. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2022 James Fox, who serves as head of marketing and e-commerce for Crockett & Jones, can speak to the additional challenges the Northampton shoemaker faces when manufacturing its shell cordovan styles. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

in sense 1 from Córdova, Córdoba + -an entry 2; in sense 2 attributive use of cordovan entry 2

Noun

borrowed from 16th-century Spanish cordován (now usually cordobán), from Córdova, Córdoba córdoba, city in Spain where such leather was produced + -án, Mozarabic variant of -ano -an entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cordovan was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near cordovan

Cite this Entry

“Cordovan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cordovan. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cordovan

noun
cor·​do·​van
ˈkȯrd-ə-vən
1
: a soft fine-grained colored leather
2
: thick leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide
cordovan adjective

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