Main Entry: ¹word

Pronunciation: \ˈwərd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name

Date: before 12th century

1 a : something that is said b plural (1) : talk, discourse <putting one's feelings into words> (2) : the text of a vocal musical composition c : a brief remark or conversation <would like to have a word with you>
2 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 — Time> <we 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 c : a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work
3 : order, command <don't move till I give the word>
4 often capitalized a : logos b : gospel 1a c : the expressed or manifested mind and will of God
5 a : news, information <sent word that he would be late> b : rumor
6 : the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
7 : saying, proverb
8 : promise, declaration <kept her word>
9 : a quarrelsome utterance or conversation —usually used in plural <they had words and parted>
10 : a verbal signal : password
11 slang —used interjectionally to express agreement

— 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>