key word

noun

: a word that is a key: such as

usually keyword

ˈkē-ˌwərd

: a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content

: a word exemplifying the meaning or value of a letter or symbol

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For couples, indulgence is the key word here, from the bespoke treatments at Sense, a Rosewood Spa, to intimate private dinners at La Cave, to enormous suites, some of which were designed by Karl Lagerfeld. —

Juliet Izon, Glamour, 26 Jan. 2023 In the face of an overwhelming challenge, Kennedy chose (key word) to pursue the mission, and leveraged his power to secure Congressional support and achieve this goal. —

Time, 23 Jan. 2023 Security awareness training should be a top priority for all organizations, with awareness being the key word. —

Art Gilliland, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2023 The founding fathers talked about the equal — again, key word equal — branches of government with the executive, legislative and judicial branch. —

Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2023 Eventually is the key word—the team is still working just to identify all the molecules at play here. —

Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 10 Sep. 2010 Scouting report: Change is the key word for the Cougars. —

John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2022 In the 24 hours that separated one of the ugliest Rangers’ games from the next, the key word was consistency. —

Dallas News, 12 May 2022 The key word there is quality, because not all bar carts are created equal. —

Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 16 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'key word.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.