cordon

American  

[kawr-dn] / ˈkɔr dn /

noun

1. a line of police, sentinels, military posts, warships, etc., enclosing or guarding an area.

2. a cord or braid worn for ornament or as a fastening.

3. a ribbon worn usually diagonally across the breast as a badge of a knightly or honorary order.

4. Fortification.

   1. a projecting course of stones at the base of a parapet.

   2. the coping of a scarp.

5. Architecture.

   1. a stringcourse, especially one having little or no projection.

   2. a cut-stone riser on a stepped ramp or the like.

6. a fruit tree or shrub trained to grow along a support or a series of such supports.

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verb (used with object)

1. to surround or blockade with or as with a cordon (usually followed byoff ).

   The police cordoned off the street.

cordon British  

/ ˈkɔːdən /

noun

1. a chain of police, soldiers, ships, etc, stationed around an area

2. a ribbon worn as insignia of honour or rank

3. a cord or ribbon worn as an ornament or fastening

4. Also called: string course.   belt course.   table.  architect an ornamental projecting band or continuous moulding along a wall

5. horticulture a form of fruit tree consisting of a single stem bearing fruiting spurs, produced by cutting back all lateral branches

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verb

1. to put or form a cordon (around); close (off)

Etymology

Origin of cordon

1400–50; Middle English < Middle French, diminutive of corde

Example Sentences

A police cordon has been in place around Lime Close since Monday, with forensics teams working at the scene as officers carry out house-to-house inquiries.

From BBC

House-to-house inquiries are being carried out, with a police cordon in place.

From BBC

Many people had gathered at a corner close to the cordon where there were bars and restaurants.

From BBC

"Do not pass the police cordon in place and do not climb on any part of the bridge - thank you for your co-operation."

From BBC

Since they lack specialized equipment, its workers mark and cordon off the explosive items.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• identification
• insignia
• marker
• medallion
• pin
• ribbon
• stamp
• symbol
• token