word
1word
noun \ˈwərd\: a sound or combination of sounds that has a meaning and is spoken or written
: a brief remark or conversation : something that a person says
: an order or command
Full Definition of WORD
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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
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a : news, information <sent word that he would be late> b : rumor
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: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
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: promise, declaration <kept her word>
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: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation —usually used in plural <they had words and parted>
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: a verbal signal : password
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slang —used interjectionally to express agreement
— good word
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: a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>
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: good news <what's the good word>
— in a word
: in short
— in so many words
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: in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words>
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: 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>
Examples of WORD
- 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.
Origin of WORD
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: before 12th century
Related to WORD
- Synonyms
- expression, term
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2word
verb: to say (something) in a particular way by choosing which words to use
Full Definition of WORD
intransitive verb
archaic : speak
transitive verb
Examples of WORD
- Could we word the headline differently?
- <tried to word the declaration exactly right>
First Known Use of WORD
13th century
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