What does cording mean?
Cording is a noun with two main strands of meaning. In its most general sense, it refers to lengths of cord, string, or twine — the practical material used to bind, tie, or secure objects, from parcels to luggage. In sewing, upholstery, and interior design, cording takes on a more refined role: it describes the narrow cord or covered piping sewn into seams and edges as a decorative finish, giving cushions, curtains, and garments a crisp, tailored outline. A third, related sense appears in fashion, where cording can denote corduroy fabric itself or its distinctive ribbed texture. The word derives from 'cord', which traces back through Old French to Latin 'chorda', ultimately from Greek 'khorde', meaning gut or string. Whether describing a workmanlike length of rope or an elegant detail on a bespoke sofa, cording carries connotations of craftsmanship and careful finishing, making it a useful term in both practical and design-oriented contexts.
nounCording is corduroy fabric or the raised ribbed texture characteristic of it; it also denotes lengths of cord or twine used for binding, trimming, or decorative edging.
- Lengths of cord, string, or twine, especially as used for binding, tying, or fastening things.
- Cord or braid used as a decorative trimming on clothing, upholstery, or soft furnishings.
- Corduroy fabric, or the ribbed texture typical of corduroy (chiefly in fashion and textile contexts).
"She chose a heavy cotton cording in olive green for the winter trousers."
"He secured the bundle with several loops of sturdy cording before loading it onto the roof rack."
"The cushions were finished with contrasting cording along every seam."
The plural is rare; 'cording' is usually treated as an uncountable material noun. When pluralized, it typically refers to multiple types or instances of decorative trim.
"The workroom stocked silk cordings in a dozen colors."
The word 'cording' ties together two very different worlds: the tailor's box of decorative trims and the rugged ridges of corduroy — a fabric whose name literally means 'cloth of the king' in a folk etymology long since debunked.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cording
Cording is formed from the noun 'cord' plus the suffix '-ing', denoting material or the result of an action. 'Cord' entered English from Old French 'corde', which came from Latin 'chorda', itself borrowed from Greek 'khorde', meaning the gut of an animal or a string of a musical instrument. The same Greek root gives English cognates such as 'chord', 'accord', and 'concord'. The material sense of cording developed naturally alongside the craft trades — tailoring, upholstery, and bookbinding — where cords were both functional fastenings and decorative elements.
Related word forms
How cording is actually used
In sewing and upholstery contexts, 'cording' almost always refers to decorative trim wrapped or inserted into seams. In everyday use it can simply mean cord or string. The sense meaning corduroy fabric is common in fashion retail but less so elsewhere.
Easily confused with cording
Corduroy is the full name of the ribbed cotton fabric, while cording refers either to that fabric more generally or to actual cords and trimmings used in sewing.
Corning relates to forming into grains or pellets (as in corning beef), whereas cording involves cords, strings, or ribbed fabric.