corduroy

UK: ˈkɔːdərɔɪ | US: ˈkɔːrdərɔɪ

Definition
  1. n. 1. A durable cotton fabric with vertical ridges or "cords," often used for trousers, jackets, or upholstery.

  2. n. 2. (Historical) A type of road made of logs laid crosswise, used in marshy areas.

Structure
cord <rope/ridge>roy <obscure, possibly "roy" as a variant of "royal" or decorative>
Etymology

The word "corduroy" likely originated in 18th-century England, combining "cord" (referring to the fabric’s ridged texture) with an uncertain second element. One theory suggests "duroy" was a coarse woolen fabric, while another links it to the French phrase "corde du roi" ("king’s cord"), though this is debated. The fabric’s ribbed structure resembles ropes ("cords"), and its durability made it popular for workwear and later fashion.

Examples
  1. He wore a pair of brown corduroy trousers to the autumn picnic.

  2. The vintage sofa was upholstered in faded green corduroy.

  3. Corduroy roads were once common in swampy regions of colonial America.

  4. She prefers corduroy jackets for their warmth and texture.

  5. The child’s favorite book featured a teddy bear made of corduroy.