Definition of word
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(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 TV — Timewe were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death— Erma Bombeck
(2)
: any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark
2a
: a brief remark or conversation
would like to have a word with you
b
: something that is said
c
words plural
4a
: 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
b
: gospel sense 1a
c
: logos
8
: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
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
good word
in a word
in so many words
of few words
of one's word
upon my word
1
: a favorable statement
put in a good word for me
2
: good news
what's the good word
: in short
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 seen— Jean Stafford
: not inclined to say more than is necessary : laconic
a man of few words
: that can be relied on to keep a promise
—used only after man or woman a man of his word
word
verb
worded; wording; words
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The first known use of word was before the 12th century
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