Cordage is a long flexible structure made from fibers twisted together into a single strand, or from multiple such strands which are in turn twisted together. Cordage is used to tie, bind, or hang other objects. It is also used as a material to make things, such as textiles, and in arts and crafts. Cordage is a simple tool, and its use by humans is known to have been developed tens of thousands of years ago. In Mesoamerica, for example, cordage was invented some 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, and was made by twisting plant fibers together. Cordage may also be a component in other tools, and in devices as diverse as weapons, musical instruments, and toys.

A rope is a group of yarns, plies, fibers or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarly constructed cord, string, and twine.