English · Word Candidate

chord

/kɔːd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chords · chording · chorded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A harmonic set of three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously.

Noun

Examples

He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A line segment between two points of a curve.

Noun

Examples

The simplest method of calculating the radius of a curve in situ is to measure the versine; in railway practice this is done by extending a tape 66 ft. (1 ch.) long in a straight line or chord between two points on the periphery of a curve, and then measuring the maximum distance of the rail from th

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To write chords for.

Verb

Examples

This chording technique works well for learning any tune, but this is the only tune of the set that I will write out completely as a chorded version.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To accord; to harmonize together.

Verb

Examples

This note chords with that one.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “chord” mean?

A harmonic set of three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously.

Is “chord” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.