key word

noun

: a word that is a key: such as
a
usually keyword : a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content
b
: a word exemplifying the meaning or value of a letter or symbol

Examples of key word in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their strength lies in recognizing key words that signal action or reward, not in parsing the finer details of speech or grasping full sentences. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Previously, this system relied on meta-tagging images, in which key words and descriptions were manually added to each image—a system that was not always reliable during a search query. John Kell, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025 Rigidity Is The New Enemy Of B2B Marketing Rigidity is the key word here. Nikos Lemanis, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 The new study argues that three key words were misread by James and other scholars alike. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for key word

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of key word was in 1762

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Cite this Entry

“Key word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20word. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

keyword

noun
key·​word
-ˌwərd
: a word of interest or significance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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