Twine vs. Cord — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Twine is a light, thin string made from natural or synthetic fibers, used for tying and crafting, whereas cord is thicker, stronger, and used for heavier tasks like securing loads or crafting durable items.
Difference Between Twine and Cord
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Twine is typically composed of two or more smaller strands twisted together, usually lightweight and intended for tasks like tying packages or bundling herbs. On the other hand, cord consists of multiple fibers or yarns twisted or braided together, resulting in a thicker and stronger material suitable for more substantial applications like securing objects or as drawstrings.
The materials used for twine often include cotton, hemp, or jute, making it flexible and easy to handle for simple binding tasks or craft projects. Whereas cords can be made from a variety of materials including nylon, polyester, or leather, designed to offer durability and resistance to weathering and heavy use.
Twine is often preferred for its biodegradability, especially the varieties made from natural fibers, making it a popular choice in gardening and packaging where environmental impact is a concern. In contrast, cord, particularly those made from synthetic materials, is chosen for its longevity and strength in outdoor and utility applications.
In the realm of crafts, twine is used for its rustic aesthetic, commonly seen in home décor and art projects. On the other hand, cord is used in making durable goods like macramé plant hangers, jewelry, and other items that require strength and the ability to hold shape under tension.
While twine is generally not suited for heavy-duty applications due to its thinner and weaker nature, cord is versatile in both light and heavy applications, from crafting to climbing, due to its robust construction.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Light, thin strands twisted together
Thicker, multiple fibers twisted or braided
Material
Often natural fibers like cotton, hemp
Can be synthetic like nylon, or natural like leather
Common Uses
Tying, crafting, packaging
Securing loads, crafting, utility
Strength and Durability
Less durable, breaks easily
Stronger, suitable for heavy use
Aesthetic and Application
Rustic look, used in light crafts
Robust, used in durable crafts and outdoor activities
Compare with Definitions
Twine
Often made from natural materials, commonly used in crafting.
The twine wrapped around the mason jars added a rustic charm.
Cord
Ideal for outdoor use due to its robustness.
They set up the tent using a strong, weather-resistant cord.
Twine
A lightweight string made by twisting small strands of fiber.
She used twine to tie the brown paper packages.
Cord
A thick, strong string made by twisting or braiding fibers.
The backpack used a durable cord for its drawstrings.
Twine
Biodegradable options popular in gardening.
The gardener used jute twine to support the growing plants.
Cord
Suitable for both light and heavy-duty tasks.
She used a nylon cord to secure the luggage on the roof rack.
Twine
Aesthetic choice for decorative purposes.
Twine was used to hang the wooden signs at the wedding.
Cord
Made from a variety of materials, including synthetics for enhanced durability.
The climbers relied on their high-tensile strength cord.
Twine
Used for simple tasks like tying and bundling.
He gathered the newspapers together with a piece of twine.
Cord
Often used in crafting for making durable items.
He crafted a bracelet out of leather cord for a rugged look.
Twine
Twine is a strong thread, light string or cord composed of two or more thinner strands twisted, and then twisted together (plied). The strands are plied in the opposite direction to that of their twist, which adds torsional strength to the cord and keeps it from unravelling.
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.
Twine
Strong thread or string consisting of two or more strands of hemp or cotton twisted together.
Cord
An insulated flexible electric wire fitted with a plug or plugs.
Twine
An instance of moaning or complaining
Having a good twine today—well, I am British and we do love complaining!
Cord
A hangman's rope.
Twine
Wind or cause to wind round something
She twined her arms round his neck
The plant will twine round its support
Cord
An influence, feeling, or force that binds or restrains; a bond or tie.
Twine
Moan; complain
Stop twining on about the snow
Sorry—I don't mean to moan at you. I've twined about it enough over the years
Cord
Also chord(Anatomy)A long ropelike structure, such as a nerve or tendon
A spinal cord.
Twine
To twist together (threads, for example); intertwine.
Cord
A raised rib on the surface of cloth.
Twine
To form by twisting, intertwining, or interlacing
Twined the cord from plant fibers.
Cord
A fabric or cloth with such ribs.
Twine
To encircle or coil about
A vine twining a tree.
Cord
Cords Pants made of corduroy.
Twine
To wind, coil, or wrap around something
"She was twining a wisp of hair very slowly around her fingers" (Anne Tyler).
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).
Twine
To become twisted, interlaced, or interwoven
The branches of one tree twined with those of another.
Cord
To fasten or bind with a cord
Corded the stack of old newspapers and placed them in the recycling bin.
Twine
To go in a winding course; twist about
A stream twining through the forest.
Cord
To furnish with a cord.
Twine
To wind or coil about something
Morning glories twining about stakes.
Cord
To pile (wood) in cords.
Twine
A strong string or cord made of two or more threads twisted together.
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.
Twine
Something formed by twining
A twine of leaves.
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.
Twine
A twist; a convolution.
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.
Twine
A strong thread composed of two or three smaller threads or strands twisted together, and used for various purposes, as for binding small parcels, making nets, and the like; a small cord or string.
Cord
(figuratively) Any influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as if by a cord.
Twine
The act of twining or winding round.
Cord
(anatomy) Any structure having the appearance of a cord, especially a tendon or nerve.
Spermatic cord; spinal cord; umbilical cord; vocal cords
Twine
Intimate and suggestive dance gyrations.
Cord
Dated form of chord: musical sense.
Twine
(transitive) To weave together.
Cord
Misspelling of chord: a cross-section measurement of an aircraft wing.
Twine
(transitive) To wind, as one thread around another, or as any flexible substance around another body.
Cord
To furnish with cords
Twine
(transitive) To wind about; to embrace; to entwine.
Cord
To tie or fasten with cords
Twine
(intransitive) To mutually twist together; to become mutually involved; to intertwine.
Cord
To flatten a book during binding
Twine
(intransitive) To wind; to bend; to make turns; to meander.
Cord
To arrange (wood, etc.) in a pile for measurement by the cord.
Twine
(intransitive) To ascend in spiral lines about a support; to climb spirally.
Many plants twine.
Cord
A string, or small rope, composed of several strands twisted together.
Twine
(obsolete) To turn round; to revolve.
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.
Twine
(obsolete) To change the direction of.
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.
Twine
(obsolete) To mingle; to mix.
Cord
Any structure having the appearance of a cord, esp. a tendon or a nerve. See under Spermatic, Spinal, Umbilical, Vocal.
Twine
A twist; a convolution.
Typhon huge, ending in snaky twine.
Cord
See Chord.
Twine
A strong thread composed of two or three smaller threads or strands twisted together, and used for various purposes, as for binding small parcels, making nets, and the like; a small cord or string.
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.
Twine
The act of twining or winding round.
Cord
To arrange (wood, etc.) in a pile for measurement by the cord.
Twine
To twist together; to form by twisting or winding of threads; to wreathe; as, fine twined linen.
Cord
A line made of twisted fibers or threads;
The bundle was tied with a cord
Twine
To wind, as one thread around another, or as any flexible substance around another body.
Let me twineMine arms about that body.
Cord
A unit of amount of wood cut for burning; 128 cubic feet
Twine
To wind about; to embrace; to entwine.
Let wreaths of triumph now my temples twine.
Cord
A light insulated conductor for household use
Twine
To change the direction of.
Cord
A cut pile fabric with vertical ribs; usually made of cotton
Twine
To mingle; to mix.
Cord
Stack in cords;
Cord firewood
Twine
To mutually twist together; to become mutually involved.
Cord
Bind or tie with a cord
Twine
To wind; to bend; to make turns; to meander.
As rivers, though they bend and twine,Still to the sea their course incline.
Twine
To turn round; to revolve.
Twine
To ascend in spiral lines about a support; to climb spirally; as, many plants twine.
Twine
A lightweight cord
Twine
Spin or twist together so as to form a cord;
Intertwine the ribbons
Twine the threads into a rope
Twine
Coil around;
Wisteria twining the fence posts
Twine
Wrap or coil around;
Roll your hair around your finger
Twine the thread around the spool
Twine
Make by twisting together or intertwining;
Twine a rope
Twine
Form into a spiral shape;
The cord is all twisted
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between twine and cord?
Twine is lighter and thinner, suitable for simple binding tasks, while cord is thicker and stronger, used for more substantial applications.
Can twine be used for outdoor applications?
While natural twine can be used outdoors, it is less durable and weather-resistant compared to synthetic cord.
Which is better for craft projects, twine or cord?
The choice between twine and cord for crafts depends on the project’s needs; twine is good for light, decorative crafts, while cord is better for durable, functional items.
What should I use for garden tying, twine or cord?
For garden tying, natural twine is often preferred as it is biodegradable and sufficient for supporting plant growth without damaging stems.
Is cord more expensive than twine?
Generally, cord can be more expensive than twine, especially if made from high-quality or synthetic materials designed for strength and durability.
Can both twine and cord be used in arts and crafts?
Yes, both can be used in arts and crafts, but twine is typically used for its aesthetic appeal and cord for its durability and strength.
Are there environmental considerations with using twine or cord?
Yes, choosing natural fiber twine can be more environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable, whereas synthetic cords, while durable, may contribute to plastic waste.
In what scenarios is biodegradable twine particularly recommended?
Biodegradable twine is recommended for gardening, composting, or any application where the twine will be left in the environment and needs to break down naturally.
How do I choose between twine and cord for a specific task?
Consider the weight and nature of the task; use twine for light, temporary jobs, and cord for heavier or permanent requirements.
What are the best practices for storing twine and cord?
Keep both twine and cord dry and away from direct sunlight when storing to prevent degradation, and ensure they are neatly coiled to avoid tangles.
What safety concerns should be considered when using cord?
Ensure the cord is rated for the weight and type of use, especially in climbing or securing heavy loads, to avoid breakage and accidents.
How do I determine the load capacity of a cord or twine?
Check the product specifications for tensile strength and load capacity, especially important for cords used in weight-bearing or safety-critical applications.
Can twine be strengthened if needed for heavier tasks?
While twine isn't typically made for heavy tasks, using multiple strands twisted together or opting for a thicker twine might provide additional strength but won't match the durability of cord.
Is it possible to dye twine and cord for decorative purposes?
Yes, both twine and cord can be dyed, though the material they are made from will affect how well they take up and hold the dye.
How do the weathering properties compare between twine and cord?
Natural twine can degrade quickly outdoors, especially under wet conditions, whereas synthetic cord is typically designed to resist weathering and UV damage.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
