lanyard

USAGE SUMMARY

'lanyard' is a perfectly correct word to use in written English.
You can use it to refer to a rope, cord, or chain that is used to suspend an object around someone's neck. For example, "I always wear my lanyard to meetings so I can easily display my ID badge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be a help at conferences, when the obligatory name badges still tend to sit in holders designed to be clipped to a man's jacket pocket or lapel, rather than hung from a lanyard around the neck.

The Guardian

LILY LI wears a lanyard with a little plastic card around her neck, even at weekends.

The Economist

Every person he encountered seemed to be sporting a AAAS badge, fluttering in the blustery wind on a signature blue lanyard.

The Economist

("Welcome, sir, welcome. Have you received your delegate's lanyard? Jeremy will show you our subterranean conference facilities").

Independent

He also had a Conservative conference lanyard around his neck, marking him out as an attendee.

Independent

And, of course, we advise them on how to stay safe: a whistle on a lanyard is much better than a standard bike bell for making yourself heard, for example".

Independent

The tawdry world of Mr Werritty, of lobbyists and old friends, and gatekeepers and party-conference goers, with their self-printed business cards and their prized lanyard, is one where relationships are routinely costed by themselves and others.

Independent

Because here is a woman who knows for certain where she's from and wears her roots, albeit rudely, like a lanyard.

Independent

Flintlocks pulled by a lanyard, instead of match, fired the guns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every participant wears a badge on a lanyard.

The New Yorker

On the same old ugly lanyard, impossible to get out of your pocket.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "lanyard", be specific about its purpose or the object it holds, such as "ID lanyard" or "key lanyard", to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lanyard" when a more descriptive term, such as "neck strap" or "badge holder", would be more appropriate and informative for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The word "lanyard" functions primarily as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with examples showing it denoting a cord used to hold objects or badges, often worn around the neck. The word can also refer to a rope used for fastening, especially in nautical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "lanyard" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun referring to a cord or strap used for various purposes, from holding ID badges to securing equipment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and widespread acceptance. Its frequency is very common, especially in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "neck strap" or "badge holder" exist, "lanyard" remains a widely understood and frequently used term. Be specific about the lanyard's purpose for better clarity. Its register is typically neutral, making it appropriate for a broad range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Neck strap

Focuses on the strap worn around the neck, similar to a lanyard's function.

Badge holder

Emphasizes the function of holding an ID or badge, which is a common use of a lanyard.

Key cord

Highlights the use of a lanyard for holding keys.

Wrist strap

Specifies a strap worn on the wrist instead of the neck, serving a similar purpose.

ID tag

Focuses on the identification tag itself, often attached to a lanyard.

Rope for fastening

A broader description of a lanyard's original nautical purpose.

Necklace with pendant

Describes a necklace with an attached object, similar to a lanyard holding an item.

Cord with clip

Highlights the presence of a clip for attaching items to the cord.

Retention strap

Emphasizes the function of retaining or securing an object.

Security strap

Focuses on the security aspect of using a strap to hold valuable items.

FAQs

How is a "lanyard" typically used?

A "lanyard" is commonly used to hold items such as ID badges, keys, or small tools, and is worn around the neck or wrist for easy access.

What are some alternatives to calling something a "lanyard"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "neck strap", "badge holder", or "key cord".

Is it correct to use "lanyard" to describe a rope used for climbing?

While a "lanyard" can refer to a rope, in climbing contexts, terms like "climbing rope" or "sling" are more precise and commonly used.

What's the difference between a "lanyard" and a necklace?

A "lanyard" is primarily functional, used to hold objects, while a necklace is primarily decorative and worn as jewelry.