Meaning & use
co-ords
Last updated
“co-ords” is a form of “coordinates”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralinformal
Matching items of clothing, especially a top and bottom or a jacket and trousers, designed to be worn together.
Grammar: Always plural; used with a plural verb: My co-ords are new. A single matching set is often called 'a pair of co-ords'.
Patterns
- a pair of co-ords
- wear co-ords
- co-ords set
She bought a pair of co-ords for the summer party.
Co-ords are very popular this season because they are easy to wear.
He wore a co-ords set in a bright color.
Common combinations
- a pair of co-ords
- I bought a pair of co-ords in blue.
- wear co-ords
- Many young people wear co-ords to festivals.
- co-ords set
- This co-ords set comes in three colors.
Synonyms and how they differ
- coordinates
- Coordinates is the full form and is more formal; co-ords is the casual short form.
- matching set
- Matching set can describe any matching items, not only clothes; co-ords specifically means matching clothing.
Commonly confused: co-ords or coordinates?
co-ords vs coordinates
Coordinates can also mean numbers that show a position on a map or graph. Co-ords in fashion means matching clothes.
Practice
What does 'co-ords' mean in fashion?
Choose one answer.
In fashion, co-ords are matching clothes, like a top and trousers. Option D is the mathematical meaning of coordinates, not the fashion sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “co-ords”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.