word

1 of 2

noun

1
a(1)
: a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use
(2)
: the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements
b(1)
: a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word
the number of words to a line
sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism
the first man to utter the f word on British TVTime
we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about deathErma Bombeck
(2)
: any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark
2
a
: a brief remark or conversation
would like to have a word with you
b
: something that is said
c words plural
(1)
: talk, discourse
putting one's feelings into words
(2)
: the text of a vocal musical composition
3
: order, command
don't move till I give the word
4
a
: news, information
sent word that he would be late
b
: rumor
5
: promise, declaration
kept her word
6
: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation
usually used in plural
they had words and parted
7
often capitalized
a
: the expressed or manifested mind and will of God
c
: logos
8
: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
9
10
: a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work
11
: a verbal signal : password
12
slang
used interjectionally to express agreement

word

2 of 2

verb

worded; wording; words

transitive verb

: to express in words : phrase
a carefully worded reply
Phrases
good word
1
: a favorable statement
put in a good word for me
2
: good news
what's the good word
in a word
: in short
in so many words
1
: in exactly those terms
implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words
2
: in plain forthright language
in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seenJean Stafford
of few words
: not inclined to say more than is necessary : laconic
a man of few words
of one's word
: that can be relied on to keep a promise
used only after man or woman
a man of his word
upon my word
: with my assurance : indeed, assuredly
upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing

Did you know?

What makes a word a real word?

The word word has a wide range of meanings and uses in English. Yet one of the most often looked for pieces of information regarding word is not something that would be found in its definition. Instead, it is some variant of the question, What makes a word a real word?

One of the most prolific areas of change and variation in English is vocabulary; new words are constantly being coined to name or describe new inventions or innovations, or to better identify aspects of our rapidly changing world. Constraints of time, money, and staff would make it impossible for any dictionary, no matter how large, to capture a fully comprehensive account of all the words in the language. And even if such a leviathan reference was somehow fashioned, the dictionary would be obsolete the instant it was published as speakers and writers continued generating new terms to meet their constantly changing needs.

Most general English dictionaries are designed to include only those words that meet certain criteria of usage across wide areas and over extended periods of time (for more details about how words are chosen for dictionary entry, read "How does a word get into a Merriam-Webster dictionary?" in our FAQ). As a result, they may omit words that are still in the process of becoming established, those that are too highly specialized, or those that are so informal that they are rarely documented in professionally edited writing. But the words left out are as real as those that gain entry; the former simply haven't met the criteria for dictionary entry–at least not yet (newer ones may ultimately gain admission to the dictionary's pages if they gain sufficient use).

However, in preparing your own writings, it is worth remembering that the dictionary encompasses the most widely used terms in English. Words that are left out may have usage limited to specific, isolated, or informal contexts, so they should be used carefully.

Examples of word in a Sentence

Noun How do you spell that word? “Please” is a useful word. Our teacher often used words I didn't know. What is the French word for car? Describe the experience in your own words. The lawyer used Joe's words against him. She gave the word to begin. We will wait for your word before we serve dinner. Verb Could we word the headline differently? tried to word the declaration exactly right
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The judge did not mince words in his finding that the suit lacked merit and appeared to be a blatant attempt to intimidate researchers and critics. Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024 Learn About Ceramics in Faenza In the 15th and 16th centuries, the small city of Faenza became famous all over Europe for the production of majolica—so much so that the word faience derives from the name of this city. Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for word 

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of word was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near word

Cite this Entry

“Word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

word

1 of 2 noun
1
: a sound or combination of sounds that has meaning and is spoken by a human being
2
: a written or printed letter or letters standing for a spoken word
3
: a brief remark or conversation
could I have a word with you
4
: order entry 1 sense 5b
give the word to begin
5
: news sense 1
any word on how they are
6
: promise entry 1 sense 1
I give you my word
7
: a remark or conversation uttered in anger
usually used in plural
words were exchanged and a fight broke out

word

2 of 2 verb
: to express in words : phrase
worded their request with great care

More from Merriam-Webster on word

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