paracord
noun
para·cord
ˈper-ə-ˌkȯrd 
ˈpa-rə-
plural paracords
: a lightweight braided rope that is usually made of nylon or polyester and consists of a woven outer sheath enclosing several strands of fibers
First used during World War II, paracord (or parachute cord) is a very strong nylon cord that can be used in lieu of shoelaces, bungee cords, or rope in emergency situations.—
Nanette Donohue
Nanette DonohueParacord can be made of either nylon or polyester. However, nylon is considered to be a true paracord due to being more durable and resistant to the elements.—Stephen Morin
Stephen MorinNylon paracord is strong enough for emergency uses, yet light and easy to carry …—Felicity Warner
—often used before another nounFelicity Warnerparacord cables
She explained that paracord bracelets … provide 7.5 feet of cord that can hold up to 550 pounds of weight.—Marianne Napoles
Marianne NapolesExamples of paracord in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s because, in her natural state, Krebs is twisted tight as paracord.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026
What's more, its edge is precision-ground to deliver clean cuts on everything from paper and packages to paracord and fabrics.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Kruse said Hoffman likely died within minutes of being strangled with a paracord, The Gazette reports.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The paracord handle adds another layer of texture while supplying some protection from a too-hot handle.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2025
Some fashion brands, like Miu Miu, have recently released expensive versions of the Xero Genesis paracord sandals.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 1 Aug. 2025
Suede loafers and a paracord bracelet add balance to keep things interesting and fashion-forward.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 July 2025
Inside, a tattooed sauna keeper with muscles that looked like bundles of paracord talked us through the history of the Icelandic sauna, then snapped a towel in front of each of our faces to direct the heat toward us like a fireplace bellows.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 11 Apr. 2025
The paracord was an especially easy option for any residents wishing to make their own windows more bird-friendly, with the cord readily available online.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024
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Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026
What's more, its edge is precision-ground to deliver clean cuts on everything from paper and packages to paracord and fabrics.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Kruse said Hoffman likely died within minutes of being strangled with a paracord, The Gazette reports.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The paracord handle adds another layer of texture while supplying some protection from a too-hot handle.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2025
Some fashion brands, like Miu Miu, have recently released expensive versions of the Xero Genesis paracord sandals.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 1 Aug. 2025
Suede loafers and a paracord bracelet add balance to keep things interesting and fashion-forward.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 July 2025
Inside, a tattooed sauna keeper with muscles that looked like bundles of paracord talked us through the history of the Icelandic sauna, then snapped a towel in front of each of our faces to direct the heat toward us like a fireplace bellows.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 11 Apr. 2025
The paracord was an especially easy option for any residents wishing to make their own windows more bird-friendly, with the cord readily available online.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Paracord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paracord. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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