Pronunciation: [kˈɔːdjʊ͡əɹˌɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Corduroy is a fabric made of cotton with ridges or "cords" running parallel to each other. The spelling of the word "corduroy" is not completely phonetic, as it contains a silent "u" after the letter "o". The IPA phonetic transcription for "corduroy" is /kɔːdərɔɪ/. The letter "c" is pronounced as /k/ and the "o" as /ɔː/, followed by the letter "d" as /d/ and the "u" as silent, and finally the letters "r" and "o" as /rɔɪ/.
Corduroy is a noun that refers to a durable fabric made of cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, in which raised vertical ridges or wales alternate with flat or twilled areas. The word may also be used as an adjective to describe something made of or resembling this fabric.
In terms of its etymology, the term "corduroy" originated from the French word "corde du roi," which translates to "king's cord." This name was given to the fabric due to its association with nobility and luxury. The distinctive ridges in corduroy are created by additional weft yarns that are woven into the base fabric, forming vertical ribs or cords. These cords vary in width, with narrower wales providing a finer texture, while wider wales are more prominent.
Corduroy is highly regarded for its warmth, durability, and comfort, making it a popular choice for garments such as pants, jackets, and skirts. Its textured appearance adds visual interest to clothing and creates a unique tactile experience. Additionally, corduroy's raised ridges provide insulation by trapping air within the fabric, enhancing its heat-retaining properties.
Beyond apparel, corduroy is also utilized for upholstery, bags, accessories, and even functional applications such as tire treads or tool belts. The fabric's versatility and long-lasting nature make it a favored material in various industries.
A thick cotton stuff corded or ribbed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "corduroy" is believed to have originated from the French term "corde du roi", which translates to "cloth of the king". This name was given to the fabric because it was originally associated with royalty and the nobility. The term "cord du roi" eventually evolved into "corduroy" in English.
