corduroy

American  

[kawr-duh-roi, kawr-duh-roi] / ˈkɔr dəˌrɔɪ, ˌkɔr dəˈrɔɪ /

noun

1. a cotton-filling pile fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges.

2. corduroys, trousers made of this fabric.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling corduroy.

2. constructed of logs laid together transversely, as a road across swampy ground.

verb (used with object)

1. to form (a road or the like) by laying logs transversely.

2. to make a corduroy road across or along.

corduroy British  

/ ˌkɔːdəˈrɔɪ, ˈkɔːdəˌrɔɪ /

noun

1. See also corduroys

   1. a heavy cotton pile fabric with lengthways ribs

   2. ( as modifier )

      a corduroy coat

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Etymology

Origin of corduroy

1780–90; perhaps cord ( cords ) + duroy, deroy (now obsolete) a woolen fabric originating in W England; later taken as French cord du roy the king's cords, though the fabric had no connection with France

Example Sentences

The Bedsure GentleSoft Ribbed Heated Blanket features a thick, wide-wale corduroy texture that adds visual interest and a pleasing hand feel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The rocker walked on stage alone, hunched over with his face obscured by a corduroy cap, to play a hushed acoustic version of the classic Sugar Mountain.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

These pleated pinstripe corduroy trousers are a contemporary classic.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

Soft corduroy trousers fell into slit hemlines that flop over thick-soled sneakers.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2024

He motioned to the ridiculous shirt, the too-small corduroy pants.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss