word

noun

\ ˈwərd

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

(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

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

9 : saying, proverb

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

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 seen— Jean 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

word

verb

worded; wording; words

Definition of word (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to express in words : phrase a carefully worded reply

intransitive verb

archaic : speak

Synonyms What makes a word a real word? More Example Sentences Phrases Containing word Learn More About word

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun There's only one word to describe 114 Faubourg: chic. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 17 June 2022 In this ever-expanding globalized word, many people, speaking many languages are challenged to communicate effectively. — Jerry Weissman, Forbes, 16 June 2022 Navarro may be uncommonly egotistical, desperate for relevance and mercenary in both word and deed. — Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2022 Miller summed up the sound of the band in one word — authentic. — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2022 Sequoia Capital, the storied venture capital firm known for playing doomsayer ahead of recessions, has one word for the startup industry: Cash. — Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 14 June 2022 Ramiro Rocha had one word to describe what happened Friday: bittersweet. — Heather Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 June 2022 For instance, the team introduced the Google Ngram Viewer, which lets users type in a word or phrase and observe its usage plotted over the centuries. — New York Times, 4 June 2022 One letter – in a word or among the multiple choice options – makes all the difference. — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 3 June 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Gerritson said the new standards simply re-word the old standards. — Trisha Powell Crain | Tcrain@al.com, al, 29 Mar. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 However, Hoffman would not say how the plan came together or whether the electors received advice on how to word the document. — Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'word.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.