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

Despite the red flags, hundreds of investors were receiving their dividends on time and word was spreading. —

Lizzie Johnson, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Feb. 2023 For Lin, surviving sepsis left him determined to make sure that the word gets out about sepsis — and not just in English. —

Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2023 Hayes became the first woman to earn the honor in 1977, earning the title after her Grammy win for best spoken word recording for Great American Documents. —

Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2023 The Clue: This word starts with a consonant and ends with a vowel. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2023 The word comes in the wake a ransomware attack that diverted attention from the company’s plans to address lagging profitability. —

Eric Killelea, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2023 Because such people possessed no special skill or status, the word gradually fell into disrepute. —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023 Detroit police on Monday called for help from the public – a week after Kemp on Jan. 23 reported Kelly missing and began spreading the word via social media and notifying news outlets. —

Andrea May Sahouri, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2023 The word Tuesday was that more than 12,000 tickets had been sold. —

Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2023

Verb

At each stage, MyPerfectResume offers suggestions on what content to include and how to word it for the best results. —

Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022 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

Phrases Containing word

Kids Definition

word

1 of 2 noun

ˈwərd

: a sound or combination of sounds that has meaning and is spoken by a human being

: a written or printed letter or letters standing for a spoken word

: a brief remark or conversation

could I have a word with you

: order entry 1 sense 5b

give the word to begin

: news sense 1

any word on how they are

: promise entry 1 sense 1

I give you my word

: a remark or conversation uttered in anger

—usually used in plural

words were exchanged and a fight broke out

word

2 of 2 verb

: to express in words : phrase

worded their request with great care

单词	in a word
释义	word 1 of 2 noun ˈwərd 1 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 2 a : a brief remark or conversation would like to have a word with you b : something that is said c words plural (1) : talk, discourse putting one's feelings into words (2) : the text of a vocal musical composition 3 : order, command don't move till I give the word 4 a : news, information sent word that he would be late b : rumor 5 : promise, declaration kept her word 6 : a quarrelsome utterance or conversation —usually used in plural they had words and parted 7 often capitalized a : the expressed or manifested mind and will of God b : gospel sense 1a c : logos 8 : the act of speaking or of making verbal communication 9 : saying, proverb 10 : a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work 11 : a verbal signal : password 12 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 1 : a favorable statement put in a good word for me 2 : good news what's the good word in a word : in short in so many words 1 : in exactly those terms implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words 2 : 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. Synonyms Noun expression term Verb articulate clothe couch express formulate phrase put say state See all Synonyms & Antonyms 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 Despite the red flags, hundreds of investors were receiving their dividends on time and word was spreading. —Lizzie Johnson, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Feb. 2023 For Lin, surviving sepsis left him determined to make sure that the word gets out about sepsis — and not just in English. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2023 Hayes became the first woman to earn the honor in 1977, earning the title after her Grammy win for best spoken word recording for Great American Documents. —Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2023 The Clue: This word starts with a consonant and ends with a vowel. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2023 The word comes in the wake a ransomware attack that diverted attention from the company’s plans to address lagging profitability. —Eric Killelea, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2023 Because such people possessed no special skill or status, the word gradually fell into disrepute. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023 Detroit police on Monday called for help from the public – a week after Kemp on Jan. 23 reported Kelly missing and began spreading the word via social media and notifying news outlets. —Andrea May Sahouri, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2023 The word Tuesday was that more than 12,000 tickets had been sold. —Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2023 Verb At each stage, MyPerfectResume offers suggestions on what content to include and how to word it for the best results. —Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022 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 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 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 Word History Etymology Noun Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name First Known Use Noun before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b Verb 13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense Phrases Containing word a word in someone's ear by word of mouth a brief word a word to the wise big word from the word go dirty word entry word code word curse word content word function word form word ghost word go back on one's word guide word good word have the last word in every sense of the word hang on someone's every word have a word with (someone) have a word in your ear in the strict/strictest sense (of the word) keep one's word key word man/woman of his/her word last word my word not speak a word of not say/breathe a word not speak a word my word is my bond of one's word put/get the word out printed page/word put in a good word send word say the word someone's word is his/her bond someone's word is law spread the word swear word take someone's word for it the last/final word upon my word weasel word word-association test word for word word/rumor has it word class word-hoard word-mongering word of honor word on the street word-perfect word processing word salad word processor word wrap word stress not utter a word true to one's word word square give (someone) one's word word of mouth a word of warning mum's the word four-letter word fighting word word order the n-word what's the good word word problem in a word know the meaning of the word See More a word in someone's ear by word of mouth a brief word a word to the wise big word from the word go dirty word entry word code word curse word content word function word form word ghost word go back on one's word guide word good word have the last word in every sense of the word hang on someone's every word have a word with (someone) have a word in your ear in the strict/strictest sense (of the word) keep one's word key word man/woman of his/her word last word my word not speak a word of not say/breathe a word not speak a word my word is my bond of one's word put/get the word out printed page/word put in a good word send word say the word someone's word is his/her bond someone's word is law spread the word swear word take someone's word for it the last/final word upon my word weasel word word-association test word for word word/rumor has it word class word-hoard word-mongering word of honor word on the street word-perfect word processing word salad word processor word wrap word stress not utter a word true to one's word word square give (someone) one's word word of mouth a word of warning mum's the word four-letter word fighting word word order the n-word what's the good word word problem in a word know the meaning of the word See More Kids Definition word 1 of 2 noun ˈwərd 1 : a sound or combination of sounds that has meaning and is spoken by a human being 2 : a written or printed letter or letters standing for a spoken word 3 : a brief remark or conversation could I have a word with you 4 : order entry 1 sense 5b give the word to begin 5 : news sense 1 any word on how they are 6 : promise entry 1 sense 1 I give you my word 7 : a remark or conversation uttered in anger —usually used in plural words were exchanged and a fight broke out word 2 of 2 verb : to express in words : phrase worded their request with great care in a word phrase as in concisely in a few words He managed to summarize the entire situation in a word, "complicated" Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance concisely exactly briefly precisely shortly in short in sum crisply summarily succinctly laconically curtly tersely compactly elliptically pithily in brief bluffly abruptly in a nutshell aphoristically monosyllabically sententiously bluntly brusquely Antonyms & Near Antonyms wordily verbosely diffusely long-windedly repetitiously redundantly
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word

noun

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing word

Kids Definition

phrase