co-ord

IPA/ˈkəʊ.ɔːd/
IPA/ˈkoʊ.ɔːrd/

co-ord — noun

1. A short way to write "coordinate": numbers or letters that tell you where someth

1.nounB1
Definition

A short way to write "coordinate": numbers or letters that tell you where something is located on a map, in a graph, or inside a digital image.

Example

The map showed the treasure buried at co-ord J7, near the old stone bridge.

co-ord + at [grid reference]

Mira plotted the earthquake's epicentre at co-ord 43°N, 12°E on the wall map.

co-ord on a map

Common collocations
  • at co-ord
  • enter a co-ord
  • read the co-ord
  • co-ord on a map
  • co-ord of a point
Synonyms
  • grid reference

    British English term for map co-ordinates, especially on Ordnance Survey maps

  • map reference

    broader term that can include place-name references as well as numbered co-ords

Grammar Patterns

co-ord + on [map/graph/image]

Usage Note

Often used in informal or spoken British English instead of the full word "coordinate." In American English the full form "coordinate" is more common.

Common Mistakes

Tell me the co-ords of the restaurant on the map.
Tell me the co-ord of the restaurant on the map.
The short form is usually singular when referring to a single location point, even though the full word "coordinates" can be plural.

2. A short way to write "coordinate": a single garment that is part of a matching s

2.nounB1
Definition

A short way to write "coordinate": a single garment that is part of a matching set, designed in colours or prints that go together so you can wear the whole set as an outfit.

Example

Mira bought a matching co-ord with a blue jacket and trousers for work.

matching co-ord

That shop on King Street sells a yellow co-ord — a matching top and skirt.

Common collocations
  • matching co-ord
  • wear a co-ord
  • buy a co-ord
  • grey/blue/wool co-ord
  • co-ord set
Synonyms
  • matching set

    more general term for any group of items designed to go together

  • two-piece

    specific to outfits that consist of exactly two matching garments

Grammar Patterns

co-ord + colour/style + noun

Usage Note

More common in fashion retail and lifestyle magazines than in everyday conversation. The set is usually two pieces — for example, a top and bottom — made from the same fabric or print. Also called a "matching set."

Common Mistakes

I bought a co-ord shirt and jeans.
I bought a co-ord with a shirt and trousers made from the same fabric.
Jeans are not typically part of a "co-ord" because a co-ord implies deliberately matched fabric or print.

3. Written abbreviation for "coordination": the process of organising people, group

3.nounB2
Definition

Written abbreviation for "coordination": the process of organising people, groups, or activities so that they work together effectively.

Example

The event was a success thanks to the excellent co-ord of all the volunteers.

excellent co-ord

The project manager sent a memo about the co-ord of delivery schedules across three warehouses.

co-ord of [something]

Common collocations
  • good co-ord
  • lack of co-ord
  • co-ord of [something]
  • careful co-ord
  • co-ord between [groups]

Grammar Patterns

co-ord + of [something]

Usage Note

This is a written abbreviation only — not used in speech. Found in internal memos, meeting notes, schedules, and project documents. The full word "coordination" is preferred in formal reports and spoken language.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms refer to a way of describing a position on a map or diagram, but they differ in precision and context. "Co-ord" is an informal shortening of "coordinate" used mainly in British English speech and casual writing — for example, a teacher telling a class "the cave is at co-ord D4." "Grid reference" is the standard British term for the numbered grid system on Ordnance Survey maps and is more formal and precise; a hiker would say "the grid reference is SU 123 456." "Map reference" is broader and can include place names, landmarks, or a combination of methods, not just a numbered grid. "Location point" is a general term used in digital contexts such as GPS coordinates or software interfaces. In practice, choose "co-ord" for informal British conversations about maps or graphs, "grid reference" for formal navigation, and "map reference" for mixed-media instructions.

co-ord ↗grid referencemap referencelocation point

Common collocations

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Co-ord is a clipped form of the noun "coordinate," which entered English in the mid-17th century from the Latin "coordinatus" ("co-" meaning "together" and "ordinare" meaning "to arrange"). The noun sense meaning "location point on a map" dates from the 19th century, while the clothing sense emerged in the 20th-century fashion industry. The abbreviation of "coordination" to "co-ord" follows the same shortening pattern and is found in British business writing from the mid-20th century onward.