word

1 of 2

noun

ˈwərd

Synonyms of word next

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

: a brief remark or conversation

would like to have a word with you

: something that is said

c words plural

(1)

: talk, discourse

putting one's feelings into words

(2)

: the text of a vocal musical composition

: order, command

don't move till I give the word

: news, information

sent word that he would be late

: rumor

: promise, declaration

kept her word

: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation

—usually used in plural

they had words and parted

often capitalized

: the expressed or manifested mind and will of God

: gospel sense 1a

: logos

: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication

: saying, proverb

: a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work

: a verbal signal : password

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

intransitive verb

archaic : speak

Phrases

good word

: a favorable statement

put in a good word for me

: good news

what's the good word

in a word

: in short

in so many words

: in exactly those terms

implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words

: 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

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

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.

Noun

There is consensus among investors that a single English language word boosts your chances of receiving funding, which makes a .ai domain all the more appealing, as there’s more single-word availability under this extension. —

Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 From ‘no word for art’ to one of Indian Country’s biggest industries At the Heard Museum in Phoenix last March, artists unloaded beadwork and baskets, paintings, pottery and photography, jewelry, stone and wood sculptures, textiles and delicate works in glass. —

Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

Verb

The way Congress worded the Commodity Exchange Act has hurt the CFTC in court so far, said Mark Wetjen, a former commissioner and acting chairman of the agency who is now a partner at Dentons law firm. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024 That means the Supreme Court would interpret the Code of Judicial Conduct, which is loosely worded. —

Chris Forsyth, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for word

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

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century

Phrases Containing word

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

word

1 of 2 noun

ˈwərd

: a sound or combination of sounds that has meaning and is spoken by a human being

: a written or printed letter or letters standing for a spoken word

: a brief remark or conversation

could I have a word with you

: order entry 1 sense 5b

give the word to begin

: news sense 1

any word on how they are

: rumor

: promise entry 1 sense 1

I give you my word

: 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

Last Updated: 27 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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word

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verb

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Synonyms

Examples of word in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near word

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Kids Definition