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

It’s also designed to be clipped to a lanyard, strap, or belt for accessibility. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2025

Minutes away from receiving his first media lanyard to hang around his neck, he was pulled into handcuffs instead. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025

It can easily be brought from the dorm to the lecture hall with its removable lanyard strap, and thanks to the powerful battery, the speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025

Many cast members also wear lanyards or pouches with pins for trading. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lanyard

• spaniard

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