cordless

American  

[kawrd-lis] / ˈkɔrd lɪs /

adjective

1. lacking a cord.

2. (of an electrical appliance) requiring no wire leading to an external source of electricity because of a self-contained, often rechargeable, power supply; battery-powered.

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cordless British  

/ ˈkɔːdlɪs /

adjective

1. (of an electrical device) operated by an internal battery so that no connection to mains supply or other apparatus is needed

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Etymology

Origin of cordless

First recorded in 1905–10; cord + -less

Explanation

A small electronic device or power tool that doesn't have a cord and a plug for an electrical outlet, but instead is powered by a battery, is cordless. A cordless tool or device requires power to work but doesn't use wall-outlet electricity. Drills, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and irons can all be cordless, often by using rechargeable batteries. Since cordless appliances don't need to be attached to an outlet, they are more mobile and handy. Telephones were first available in cordless versions in the 1980's — before that, the handset was always attached to a base by a cord.

Example Sentences

Other exhibits displayed early cordless phones, Tetra Pak’s shelf-stable milk containers and pay-at-the-pump gas-station transactions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

I picked up the cordless phone and dialed a friend.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

The EPA’s Maui method will be used increasingly as Americans rely more heavily on cordless devices, Glenn said, adding : “We love portability, we love being untethered.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

At Stockton, that usually begins around the second week of January, when participants use cordless drills to bore tiny holes into the trees and place metal taps into which the sap flows.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2024

She flittered around some peanuts in the carton nearest her and pulled out a small, pink cordless drill, pressed the On lever.

From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth