word-for-word

1 of 2

adjective

: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2

adverb

: in the exact words : verbatim

Examples of word-for-word in a Sentence

Adverb you don't have to record the professor's comments word for word in your notes
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.
Adjective
From song to song, the entire arena could be seen hitting Soulja’s nostalgic moves, and rapping lyrics word-for-word. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Indeed, the new complaint includes a number of word-for-word passages lifted directly from those previous filings. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adverb
In response to airports refusing to air the video, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sent a statement to The Star that repeated, nearly word for word, Noem’s comments in the video and blamed Democrats for the shutdown. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2025 The whole script was my story — my stand-up word for word. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for word-for-word

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-for-word was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Word-for-word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-for-word. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

word-for-word

1 of 2 adjective
: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2 adverb
: in the exact words : verbatim
repeated the message word for word
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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