key word

noun

: a word that is a key: such as

a

usually keyword

ˈkē-ˌwərd 

: 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

But retooling that one key word in the chorus shows his ability to personalize a piece of music and bring out its central meaning. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025

For that to occur, there would need to be increased and sustained human to human transmission, which has not occurred yet, with yet being the key word here. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Officials said the department relied in large part on a blind approach -- using artificial intelligence computer commands to search for dozens of those key words in online department, military and command websites. —arkansasonline.com, 23 Mar. 2025

Here’s a cheat sheet of key words to know when ordering your next meal. —Christina Liao, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for key word

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

keyword

noun

key·​word

-ˌwərd

: a word of interest or significance