Corduroy is a word that can be used as a noun, a transitive verb or an adjective. The basis for the word is "cord" which is a reference to twisted fibers that when woven lay parallel (similar to twill) to one and other form the corduroy pattern. Modern Corduroy is most commonly composed of tufted cords, sometimes exhibiting a channel (bare to the to base fabric) between the tufts.

As a fabric, corduroy is considered a durable cloth. Socially, the clothes made from corduroy are considered casual, and are usually favored in colder climates during seasonal periods. Corduroy is most commonly found in the construction of pants or trousers. The material is also used in the construction of (sport) jackets and shirts. The width of the cord is commonly referred to as “wale”; the size of the wale. The width of the “wale” makes some uses more common than others. Wide “wale” is more commonly found on pants; medium, narrow and fine “wale” fabrics are usually found in garments used above the waist.

“Corduroy road” is a type of road made by placing logs perpendicular to the direction of the road over a low or swampy area. The result is an improvement over impassable mud on dirt roads, yet is a bumpy ride in the best of conditions and a hazard to horses due to loose logs that can roll and shift. (Compare plank road, which uses hewn boards instead of logs, resulting in a smoother and safer surface.)

In a slang application, “Corduroy Road” can also apply to a road in ill repair, having many holes, discernible ruts, or surface swellings and one on which travel is unpleasant, or capable of harming the vehicle on which it is travelling.