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.
The young singer-songwriter — key word here being young — waited patiently in the wings of the ranking for weeks, sitting behind tracks by Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Morgan Wallen, and Tate McRae, but his time has finally come as Warren surges to the summit of the Hot 100. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Pain worse for those investing in auto stocks, other companies The key word here is diversified. Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 June 2025 Nine of Wands: Resilience is your key word this month, Cancer. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 Change was a key word used throughout the afternoon — Smith, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and university president Darryll J. Pines said the word nearly a dozen times. Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 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 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

keyword

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