lanyard

noun

lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd How to pronounce lanyard (audio)
Synonyms of lanyardnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lanyard-friendly messenger costs $120 plus a monthly subscription of less than $10. — Chris Stokel-Walker, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Campbell ran into an alley and dropped Mobley's CTA ID, lanyard, and phone down a storm drain, prosecutors said. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 Everyone pretends the films were chosen purely on merit, but the slate often reads Hollywood with a lanyard and a conscience. — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 If Aerohart's campaign is successful enough, the company plans to ship each unit with a paracord lanyard for just that purpose. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lanyard

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lanyard was in 1626

Rhymes for lanyard

See All Rhymes for lanyard

Browse Nearby Words

lanx
lanyard
lanyard knot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lanyard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanyard. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lanyard

noun
lan·​yard ˈlan-yərd How to pronounce lanyard (audio)
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

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