2 syllables: Lan, yard. Stress on Lan.
LAN-yurd
/ˈlænjɚd/
Lanyard is pronounced LAN-yurd (/ˈlænjɚd/). It has two syllables (Lan-yard), with the stress on "Lan". A lanyard is a short cord or strap worn around the neck or wrist to hold or identify items such as keys, badges, or access cards. It typically features a clasp or clip to attach objects and can be decorative or utilitarian. The term also refers to the strap used for safety or convenience in occupations or events.
nounA lanyard is a short cord or strap worn around the neck or wrist to hold or identify items such as keys, badges, or access cards. It typically features a clasp or clip to attach objects and can be decorative or utilitarian. The term also refers to the strap used for safety or convenience in occupations or events.
"She wore her employee badge on a blue lanyard around her neck."
"The conference handed out lanyards with ID badges for easy identification."
"He attached his keys to the lanyard so they wouldn’t get lost."
- Pronounce as la-nyard with stress on the first syllable: /ˈlæn.jɚd/ (US) or /ˈlæn.jəd/ (UK/AU). Start with a low, relaxed “la” then a quick “nyard” with a rhotic schwa in US. Think: LAH-ne-yird, but keep it clipped: LÆN-yerd. The middle is a light “ny” blend, not “n-ya.” You can hear it in standard dictionaries and pronunciation videos.
Common errors include: 1) Trotting out a long, exaggerated second syllable (lan-yard vs. la-NYARD); keep stress on the first syllable. 2) Dropping the linking schwa in the second syllable (lan-yard vs. lan-ye-ard). 3) Mispronouncing as ‘lay-nerd’ or ‘lan-yard’ by misplacing the /j/ sound. Correction: maintain /ˈlæn.jɚd/; ensure a brief /j/ between syllables and a short, unstressed final /d/. Practice with minimal pairs to fix the rhythm.
US pronunciation uses a rhotic vowel in the final syllable and a clear /ɚ/ or /ɝ/ in unstressed final syllable, sounding like /ˈlæn.jɚd/. UK/AU often reduce /ɚ/ to a schwa /ə/ and may have a slightly shorter, non-rhotic ending, yielding /ˈlæn.jəd/. The second syllable maintains a /j/ onset; the main difference is rhoticity and vowel quality in the final syllable. Listen for the subtle quality difference between US /ˈlæn.jɚd/ and UK/AU /ˈlæn.jəd/ in native speaker samples.
Two main challenges: the /æ/ in the first syllable can vary with accent, and the /j/ onset between syllables can fuse if spoken quickly. The final -ard vs -ard might trigger a subtle /ɚ/ vs /ə/ difference. Focus on a clean /ˈlæn/ onset and a distinct /j/ before the final /d/. Slow, deliberate practice with IPA helps lock the timing and reduces a blur between syllables.
No. The word pronounces all core letters: l-a-n-y-a-r-d. The tricky part is the mid-syllable /j/ blend and the final rhotic vs non-rhotic vowel. Spot the /æ/ versus /ə/ in different accents and keep the attenuation of the final /d/ as a light, clipped sound rather than a strong stop.
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Lanyard derives from the French word lanier, meaning a cord used to carry a weapon or tool; early usages described cords worn at the shoulder or around the neck for carrying items. The modern sense—a cord or strap worn around the neck or wrist to hold keys, badges, or tools—developed in the 17th to 18th centuries within maritime and military contexts, where sailors used cords to secure items. The term evolved through variations such as “lanyard ring” and “lanyard strap,” with analogues found in English-speaking navies and later in civilian settings for badge and ID lanyards. First known English use dates to the 1800s, with standardized usage expanding in industrial and event settings in the 20th century as personal identification and safety precautions grew. Over time, “lanyard” became a generic term for any detachable corded strap designed to carry or secure objects, ranging from keys to access cards, often featuring a clip, breakaway connector, or badge reel.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Lanyard" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Lanyard"
-ard sounds
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