Cable vs. Cord: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A cable is a thick, strong rope or wire used for mechanical or electrical purposes, while a cord is a thin, flexible string or rope often used for binding or tying.
Key Differences
Cables are often made of metal or fiber optics and are designed to carry electrical currents or data signals. They are used in various applications, from telecommunications to power transmission. On the other hand, cords are typically made of fabric or plastic and are used for lighter-duty purposes such as clothing drawstrings or small appliance connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In terms of construction, a cable is typically composed of multiple strands twisted or braided together to provide strength and flexibility. Cords, however, are usually simpler in structure and may consist of a single strand or multiple strands without the heavy-duty construction of cables.
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Nov 10, 2023
When referring to electrical uses, a cable often implies a certain gauge and capacity for electrical load, suitable for building wiring or vehicle circuits. Conversely, a cord is usually associated with smaller devices and household appliances, carrying less current and being more flexible and lightweight.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cables can also refer to large, strong ropes used in structures like bridges or for towing. These are engineered for maximum strength and load-bearing capacity. Cords, in comparison, are often used for purposes where strength is not the primary concern, such as window blinds or to secure lightweight items.
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Nov 10, 2023
In communication technology, the term "cable" can refer to the physical medium for transmitting data, like a coaxial or Ethernet cable. Cords are rarely used in this context, as they do not typically have the necessary specifications for data transmission and are more associated with power supply or general-purpose tying and binding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Use
Electrical currents, data, structural support.
Binding, tying, small appliance connections.
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Nov 10, 2023
Structure
Multiple strands, twisted or braided.
Simpler, can be a single or multiple strands.
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Nov 10, 2023
Electrical Capacity
Higher gauge, suitable for heavy loads.
Lighter gauge, suitable for small devices.
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Nov 10, 2023
Strength
Engineered for maximum strength.
Not primarily designed for strength.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Cable and Cord Definitions
Cable
A thick rope of wire or fibers
The bridge is supported by steel cables.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cord
A thin, flexible string or rope
She tied the package with a piece of cord.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cable
A system of delivering television programming
We subscribe to premium cable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cord
A unit of measure for cut wood
We bought a cord of firewood for the winter.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cable
A heavy-duty wire or rope for pulling or supporting
They used a cable to tow the car.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Cord
An anatomical structure resembling a string
The spinal cord is crucial for bodily functions.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cable
A means of transmitting data or signals
The router is connected by a network cable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cord
A slender length of flexible material usually made of twisted strands or fibers and used to bind, tie, connect, or support. See Usage Note at chord1.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(Electricity) A bound or sheathed group of mutually insulated conductors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
An influence, feeling, or force that binds or restrains; a bond or tie.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
Also chord(Anatomy)A long ropelike structure, such as a nerve or tendon
A spinal cord.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A unit of quantity for cut fuel wood, equal to a stack measuring 4 × 4 × 8 feet or 128 cubic feet (3.62 cubic meters).
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
To fasten or bind with a cord
Corded the stack of old newspapers and placed them in the recycling bin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
Of or relating to a subscription television or internet service that uses cables to carry signals between local distribution antennas and the subscriber's location.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A long, thin, flexible length of twisted yarns (strands) of fiber (rope, for example); uncountable such a length of twisted strands considered as a commodity.
The burglar tied up the victim with a cord.
He looped some cord around his fingers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A small flexible electrical conductor composed of wires insulated separately or in bundles and assembled together usually with an outer cover; the electrical cord of a lamp, sweeper (US vacuum cleaner), or other appliance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A unit of measurement for firewood, equal to 128 cubic feet (4 × 4 × 8 feet), composed of logs and/or split logs four feet long and none over eight inches diameter. It is usually seen as a stack four feet high by eight feet long.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
(figuratively) Any influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as if by a cord.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
A strong, large-diameter wire or rope, or something resembling such a rope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
(anatomy) Any structure having the appearance of a cord, especially a tendon or nerve.
Spermatic cord; spinal cord; umbilical cord; vocal cords
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
An assembly of two or more wires, used for electrical power or data circuits; one or more and/or the whole may be insulated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
Misspelling of chord: a cross-section measurement of an aircraft wing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(communications) A system for transmitting television or Internet services over a network of coaxial or fibreoptic cables.
I tried to watch the movie last night but my cable was out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(TV) cable television, broadcast over the above network, not by antenna.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A string, or small rope, composed of several strands twisted together.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A solid measure, equivalent to 128 cubic feet; a pile of wood, or other coarse material, eight feet long, four feet high, and four feet broad; - originally measured with a cord or line.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(finance) The currency pair British Pound against United States Dollar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
Fig.: Any moral influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as if by a cord; an enticement; as, the cords of the wicked; the cords of sin; the cords of vanity.
The knots that tangle human creeds,The wounding cords that bind and strainThe heart until it bleeds.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(architecture) A moulding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
Any structure having the appearance of a cord, esp. a tendon or a nerve. See under Spermatic, Spinal, Umbilical, Vocal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
(knitting) A textural pattern achieved by passing groups of stitches over one another.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
To bind with a cord; to fasten with cords; to connect with cords; to ornament or finish with a cord or cords, as a garment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A line made of twisted fibers or threads;
The bundle was tied with a cord
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
A large, strong rope or chain, of considerable length, used to retain a vessel at anchor, and for other purposes. It is made of hemp, of steel wire, or of iron links.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
A rope of steel wire, or copper wire, usually covered with some protecting or insulating substance; as, the cable of a suspension bridge; a telegraphic cable.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
A small rope or string for binding
The curtains were drawn with a decorative cord.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cable
A molding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope; - called also cable molding.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cord
Electrical appliance connector
He plugged in the lamp using an extension cord.
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Nov 10, 2023
Cable
A conductor for transmitting electrical or optical signals or electric power
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Oct 19, 2023
Cable
A set of wires enclosed in sheathing
The electrician installed a new power cable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a cord?
A cord is a thin, flexible string or rope often used for binding, tying, or connecting small appliances.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are cords used for electrical purposes?
Yes, but usually for lighter electrical connections, like appliance cords.
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Nov 10, 2023
What is a cable?
A cable is a thick, strong rope or wire used for carrying electrical currents or signals, or for mechanical support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are cables always made of metal?
Cables are often made of metal but can also be made of fiber optics or other materials.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are cords suitable for outdoor use?
Some cords are designed for outdoor use, but they are not as robust as cables.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can "cable" refer to television services?
Yes, cable can refer to cable television services.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can cords be used to tow objects?
Cords are not typically designed for towing, which requires the strength of cables.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do cables come in different types?
Yes, there are various types of cables like coaxial, Ethernet, and fiber optic.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is there a difference in strength between cable and cord?
Yes, cables are generally stronger and used for heavier-duty applications than cords.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can "cord" also mean a quantity of wood?
Yes, a cord can be a unit of measure for cut wood, typically 128 cubic feet.
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Nov 10, 2023
What is an extension cord?
An extension cord is a length of flexible electrical power cable with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other.
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Nov 10, 2023
What is a power cord?
A power cord is a cable specifically designed to connect electrical appliances to the power supply.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can cables be wireless?
The term "cable" usually refers to a physical wire, so it isn't used for wireless connections.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can both cable and cord be used for data transmission?
Typically, only cables are used for data transmission due to their construction.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are cords used in clothing?
Yes, cords can be used as drawstrings or decorative elements in clothing.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can both cable and cord be used interchangeably?
Not always, as their strength and purposes can differ significantly.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is "cable knit" a type of clothing pattern?
Yes, "cable knit" refers to a pattern used in knitting, resembling twisted cables.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do cables have a specific gauge?
Yes, cables have specific gauges indicating their capacity to carry electrical loads.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are cables or cords used in bridge construction?
Cables are used in bridge construction due to their load-bearing capacity.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is "cordless" related to "cord"?
Yes, "cordless" refers to devices that operate without a power cord, using batteries instead.
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Nov 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
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