word

noun \ ˈwərd \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Editor's Note: What makes a word a real word?

Definition of word

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 TV
—Time

we 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

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

b : gospel 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

See word defined for English-language learners

See word defined for kids

Examples of word in a Sentence

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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of word

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2b

See Words from the same year

word Synonyms

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

word

verb

Definition of word

worded; wording; words

transitive verb

: to express in words : phrase

a carefully worded reply

intransitive verb

archaic : speak

See word defined for English-language learners

Examples of word in a Sentence

Could we word the headline differently?
tried to word the declaration exactly right

Recent Examples of word from the Web

The June 12 joint statement signed by Trump and Kim is vaguely worded and does not ensure that North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons.

— salvador rizzo, Washington Post, "Anatomy of a Trump rally: 76 percent of claims are false, misleading or lacking evidence," 10 July 2018
The final product was vaguely worded and lacked numerical commitments or any firm details.

— mark landler, New York Times, "Chances of China Trade Win Undercut by Trump Team Infighting," 21 May 2018
The university will insist that the language is intentionally worded in an expansive way so as to accord the university with interpretative discretion.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Breaking Down Kevin Ollie's Case Against UConn and the University's Likely Defenses," 29 June 2018
But every carrier's policy might be worded differently and might have specific exclusions.

— madison park, CNN, "Is there such a thing as volcano insurance in Hawaii?," 7 May 2018
Allowing Foyth to join Ajax may however aid Spurs in any future dealings with the club, demonstrating that business can word both ways - expect to see Tottenham coming back in for De Ligt further down the line.

— SI.com, "Eredivisie Giants Ajax Reportedly Eye Loan Move for Tottenham Youngster Juan Foyth," 12 June 2018
The final document stating congressional recognition of the Golan as Israeli territory has yet to be worded.

— ariel kahana, Jewish Journal, "U.S. lawmakers push for recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan," 5 June 2018
It is designed to replace wording put forward by the EU side, which would effectively cut Northern Ireland off from the rest of the U.K. May has said no prime minister could accept that.

— ian wishart, Bloomberg.com, "U.K. Negotiators Haven't Pitched Irish Backstop, Officials Say," 23 May 2018
As currently worded, the transfer agreement would allow the park district to seek financial compensation for any damages and loss of use that would ordinarily be available under eminent domain laws.

— karen berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "City, park district nearing deal on Highland Park Country Club sale: officials," 22 May 2018

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.