Definition

Noun 1. Corduroy trousers: A type of casual pants made from corduroy fabric, which is a thick cotton fabric with distinctive vertical ridges, or "cords." * He wore a pair of faded blue cords and a sweater. 2. (Rare/Technical) Cords, as a plural of 'cord': Multiple lengths of flexible material made by twisting together strands of fiber, or insulated wires used to carry electricity. (Note: This is the standard plural of 'cord,' but 'cords' as a standalone term most commonly refers to trousers). * The appliance came with a short power cord. (singular) * Bundle all the electrical cords together neatly. (plural of 'cord')

Usage Notes

• The word cords is almost always used in its plural form when referring to trousers. You would say "a pair of cords" or "my cords are comfortable," not "a cord."
• It is a common, informal term for corduroy pants. The full term "corduroy trousers/pants" is more formal.
• The meaning is usually clear from context. If someone says "I need new cords," they are almost certainly talking about clothing, not electrical wires.

Examples

• As corduroy trousers:
  • She prefers wearing cords in the autumn because they are warm and stylish.
  • His favorite cords have a slim fit and are brown in color.
  • Are those new cords? I like the color.

Advanced / Figurative Usage

• "The cords of friendship/love": This is a figurative use of the singular 'cord,' meaning a bond or tie that connects people. The plural 'cords' can be used similarly for multiple bonds.
  • The shared experience strengthened the cords of their friendship.

Variants and Related Words

• Corduroy (n.): The fabric itself, characterized by its ridged texture.
  • The jacket is made of soft corduroy.
• Cord (n.):
  • A thin, flexible string or rope made of twisted strands.

    • He tied the package with a strong cord.
  • An insulated electrical cable.

    • Please don't trip over the extension cord.
  • A unit of measurement for cut wood (128 cubic feet).

    • We ordered a cord of firewood for the winter.

Synonyms

• For cords (trousers): corduroys, corduroy pants, corduroy trousers.
• For cords (as plural of cord): ropes, strings, cables, wires, lines.

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym for the clothing item "cords." For the material concept, an antonym might be solid fabric (vs. ribbed corduroy).

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Cut the cord: To end a dependency or a close connection, especially between a parent and child. (Uses the singular 'cord').
  • After college, it was time for him to cut the cord and live independently.
• Vocal cords: The folds of tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce the voice. (A fixed anatomical term using the plural 'cords').
  • The singer strained her vocal cords during the concert.

Noun

1. cotton trousers made of corduroy cloth