Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Nautical) A short rope or line used on ships: A "lanyard" is a short rope or cord used in sailing and rigging to secure, tighten, or adjust parts of a ship's equipment.
   • A cord worn around the neck: A "lanyard" is a cord or strap worn around the neck, typically to hold a small object like an identification badge, whistle, or knife.
   • A firing cord for artillery: A "lanyard" is a cord with a hook or trigger mechanism, historically used to fire a cannon by pulling it.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Nautical line):
  • The sailor used a lanyard to secure the loose pulley.
  • Check the lanyards on the rigging before we set sail.
• Noun (Neck cord):
  • All employees must wear their ID cards on a lanyard.
  • The coach blew the whistle that hung from a lanyard around his neck.
• Noun (Firing cord):
  • The artillery officer pulled the lanyard to fire the cannon.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on a lanyard": Describes an object that is attached to or carried by a neck cord.
  • His security pass is always on a lanyard.
• Technical/Historical Context: In historical military contexts, "lanyard" specifically refers to the firing mechanism.
  • The museum displayed an antique cannon with its original lanyard.

Variants and Related Words

• Laniard: An alternate, less common spelling of "lanyard."
• Lanyard hook: The metal clip or hook at the end of a lanyard used for attaching items.
• Badge lanyard: A specific type of lanyard designed to hold identification badges.

Synonyms

• Cord: A thin, flexible string or rope. (General synonym for the material.)
• Strap: A strip of flexible material. (Similar in function for holding objects.)
• Line: A rope or cord used on a ship. (Synonym in nautical contexts.)
• Tether: A rope or chain used to restrict movement. (Similar in concept of securing.)

Related Phrases

• Neck lanyard: Explicitly specifies a lanyard designed to be worn around the neck.
  • For the conference, you will be issued a neck lanyard for your credentials.
• Safety lanyard: A lanyard used to prevent tools from falling or to secure a person, common in climbing or construction.
  • The worker attached his wrench to a safety lanyard.

Related Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the word "lanyard" as a key component.

Noun

1. (nautical) a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships
2. a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle
3. a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon