What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cordage
Example
The ship's cordage was in need of repair. [cordage: noun]
Example
The cordage was made from natural fibers like hemp and sisal. [cordage: noun]
Example
The sailors spent the afternoon cordaging new ropes for the ship. [cordaging: verb]
hawser
Example
The hawser was secured to the dock to keep the ship in place. [hawser: noun]
Example
The sailors used a hawser to tow the stranded boat back to shore. [hawser: noun]
Example
The crew expertly coiled the hawser after docking the ship. [hawser: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cordage is a more commonly used term than hawser in everyday language, as it has broader applications beyond maritime contexts. Hawser is a more technical term used primarily in nautical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cordage and hawser?
Both cordage and hawser have technical connotations and are typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as in maritime industries or engineering fields.