word

1 of 2

noun

ˈwərd

a(1)

: a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use

(2)

: the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements

b(1)

: a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word

the number of words to a line

—sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism

the first man to utter the f word on British TV

Timewe were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death

Erma Bombeck

(2)

: any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark

: a brief remark or conversation

would like to have a word with you

: something that is said

c words plural

(1)

: talk, discourse

putting one's feelings into words

(2)

: the text of a vocal musical composition

: order, command

don't move till I give the word

: news, information

sent word that he would be late

: rumor

: promise, declaration

kept her word

: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation

—usually used in plural

they had words and parted

often capitalized

: the expressed or manifested mind and will of God

: gospel sense 1a

: logos

: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication

: saying, proverb

: a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work

: a verbal signal : password

slang

—used interjectionally to express agreement

word

2 of 2

verb

worded; wording; words

transitive verb

: to express in words : phrase

a carefully worded reply

intransitive verb

archaic : speak

Phrases

good word

: a favorable statement

put in a good word for me

: good news

what's the good word

in a word

: in short

in so many words

: in exactly those terms

implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words

: in plain forthright language

in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen

Jean Stafford

of few words

: not inclined to say more than is necessary : laconic

a man of few words

of one's word

: that can be relied on to keep a promise

—used only after man or woman

a man of his word

upon my word

: with my assurance : indeed, assuredly

upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing

Did you know?

What makes a word a real word?

The word word has a wide range of meanings and uses in English. Yet one of the most often looked for pieces of information regarding word is not something that would be found in its definition. Instead, it is some variant of the question, What makes a word a real word?

One of the most prolific areas of change and variation in English is vocabulary; new words are constantly being coined to name or describe new inventions or innovations, or to better identify aspects of our rapidly changing world. Constraints of time, money, and staff would make it impossible for any dictionary, no matter how large, to capture a fully comprehensive account of all the words in the language. And even if such a leviathan reference was somehow fashioned, the dictionary would be obsolete the instant it was published as speakers and writers continued generating new terms to meet their constantly changing needs.

Most general English dictionaries are designed to include only those words that meet certain criteria of usage across wide areas and over extended periods of time (for more details about how words are chosen for dictionary entry, read "How does a word get into a Merriam-Webster dictionary?" in our FAQ). As a result, they may omit words that are still in the process of becoming established, those that are too highly specialized, or those that are so informal that they are rarely documented in professionally edited writing. But the words left out are as real as those that gain entry; the former simply haven't met the criteria for dictionary entry–at least not yet (newer ones may ultimately gain admission to the dictionary's pages if they gain sufficient use).

However, in preparing your own writings, it is worth remembering that the dictionary encompasses the most widely used terms in English. Words that are left out may have usage limited to specific, isolated, or informal contexts, so they should be used carefully.

Example Sentences

Noun How do you spell that word? “Please” is a useful word. Our teacher often used words I didn't know. What is the French word for car? Describe the experience in your own words. The lawyer used Joe's words against him. She gave the word to begin. We will wait for your word before we serve dinner. Verb Could we word the headline differently? tried to word the declaration exactly right See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In each interview, one word came up time and time again: ghost.

Dugan Arnett, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Nov. 2022 One step at a time, one word at a time and one day at a time, Gabby has fought to persevere, and her fortitude in the face of tragedy is nothing short of remarkable.

CNN, 18 Nov. 2022 Need just one word to describe West Aurora’s Josh Pickett?

Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Nov. 2022 The new Scrabble book includes at least one old-fashioned word that simply fell under the radar for years: yeehaw.

Leanne Italie, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2022 The leaders of each team act as spymasters and use one-word clues to communicate special messages, or card code names, to their teammates.

Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 17 Nov. 2022 The new Scrabble book includes at least one old-fashioned word that simply fell under the radar for years: yeehaw.

Leanne Italie, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2022 For Shakkiah Curtis, King Drive means more than just one word.

Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2022 The National Court Reporters Association also openly challenged the proposal of electronic recording devices, saying one unclarified or inaudible word during key testimony could make or break a case.

Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2022

Verb

Your doctor may know how to word a letter that makes clear your medical need for accommodation without giving unnecessary detail.

Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, 30 June 2022 Gerritson said the new standards simply re-word the old standards.

Trisha Powell Crain | Tcrain@al.com, al, 29 Mar. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document.

Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document.

Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'word.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.