lanyard

noun

lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd 

1

: a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship

especially : one of the pieces passing through deadeyes to extend shrouds or stays

2

a

: a cord or strap to hold something (such as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck

b

: a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation

3

: a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon)

Examples of lanyard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, if only Apple outfitted them with a lanyard hole or some way to attach them to your bag... Read our original AirTag review. —Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2024

The top has two zippered pockets, one with a lanyard for keys. —Adrienne So, WIRED, 23 Oct. 2024

Yet, on a recent afternoon, as a man strode across the entrance hall in nothing but a floral pareo and a lanyard—i.e., shirtless and barefoot—no one seemed bothered in the slightest. —Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2024

There are stickers and adhesive gems to bedazzle each of these phone covers, plus a beaded lanyard and a few charms to dangle off the device. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 27 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lanyer thong, lanyard, from Anglo-French lanier

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lanyard

noun

lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd 

1

: a rope or line for fastening something in ships

2

: a cord worn around the neck or shoulder to hold a knife or whistle

3

: a strong cord used in firing a cannon