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

Officers did pull out lanyards to display their badges once she was confronted. —Cate Martel, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025

Much of the non-fest-going public is at home, and the streets are populated almost entirely by those with laminated passes dangling from lanyards underneath their coats. —Jack Howland, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

Using a lezard, a technical rescue lanyard, the helicopter team hoisted the hiker from the area, rescuers said. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 17 Feb. 2025

Guests will start their journey with a unique photo opportunity, and children will be given a special festival lanyard to explore all five immersive zones. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 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