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

They were like, oh the emcee will have a cordless as they move around, and I watched it, and it was great.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

I picked up the cordless phone and dialed a friend.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

The analysts attribute the stronger outlook to favorable point-of-sale demand trends for the cordless tool maker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Derek Shaw, 68, of York, Pa., said he has an Android mobile phone, but prefers talking on his black cordless landline at home.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2024

But of course this didn’t happen, and at last, Pearl snuck the cordless phone from the kitchen counter, ducked outside by the garage, where it was quieter, and called Moody.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng