word Definition

word
noun

1. The smallest unit of spoken or written language that can be used independently, usually separated off by spaces in writing and printing.

Thesaurus: expression, form, name, term, designation, concept, lexical form, definiendum.
2. A brief conversation on a particular matter.
3. Any brief statement, message or communication.

Example: a word of caution
4. News or notice.

Example: any word of Jane?
Example: She sent word she'd arrive tomorrow
Thesaurus: report, news, information, tidings, message, announcement, account, advice, intelligence.
5. A rumour.

Example: The word is he's bankrupt
Thesaurus: information, knowledge, truth, the facts, the lowdown (slang).
6. One's solemn promise.

Thesaurus: promise, pledge, declaration, commitment, word of honour.
7. An order.

Example: expects her word to be obeyed
8. A word given as a signal for action.

Example: Wait till I give the word
9. What someone says or said.

Example: remembered her mother's words
10. Language as a means of communication.

Example: impossible to convey in words
Form: words
11. An argument or heated discussion; verbal contention.

Example: We had words when he returned
Thesaurus: dispute, argument, contention, wrangle, quarrel, tiff.
Form: words
12. Discussion in contrast to action.

Example: Words alone will get us nowhere
Thesaurus: conversation, discussion, chat, communication.
Form: words
13a. The lyrics of a song, etc;

Form: words
13b. The speeches an actor must learn for a particular part.

Form: words
14. Christianity.
The teachings contained in the Bible.
Form: the Word
15. A watchword.

Example: mum's the word
16a. computing.
A group of bits or bytes that can be processed as a single unit by a computer, the size of a word varying according to the size of the computer;
16b. computing.
In word processing: any group of characters separated from other such groups by spaces or punctuation, whether or not it is a real word.
17. Used after a letter and preceded by the (sense 4a) indicating something unmentionable or taboo beginning with that letter the m-word (for ‘marriage') the c-word (for ‘cancer').

verb

worded, wording
1. To express something in carefully chosen words.

Thesaurus: express, say, put in words, write, phrase, explain, couch.

Idiom: a good word

A recommendation, praise, etc.
Example: not a good word to say about anyone
Thesaurus: endorsement, testimonial, recommendation, support, boost, plug (slang).

Idiom: as good as one's word

Careful to keep one's promise.

Idiom: a word in someone's ear

A confidential or private conversation.

Idiom: break one's word

To fail to keep or fulfil one's promise.

Idiom: by word of mouth

See under word of mouth.

Idiom: have a word with someone

To speak with them, usually for a specific reason.

Idiom: have no words for someone or something

To be at a loss to describe or express them or it.

Idiom: have words with someone

colloq
To quarrel with them.
Thesaurus: argue, differ with, bicker, fight, quarrel, disagree.

Idiom: in a word

Briefly; in short.
Thesaurus: briefly, succinctly, in short, in a nutshell, thus, viz.

Idiom: in other words

Saying the same thing in a different way.

Idiom: in so many words

Explicitly; bluntly.

Idiom: my word (upon my word)

An exclamation of surprise.

Idiom: not the word for it

Not a strong enough expression for it.
Example: Stupid isn't the word for it

Idiom: of many words (of few words)

Inclined to be talkative or reserved.

Idiom: put in a good word for someone

To recommend or mention them favourably to someone who could benefit them in some way.

Idiom: put words into someone's mouth

To attribute or supply to them words that they did not, or do not intend to, use.

Idiom: say the word

To give one's consent or approval for some action to proceed.

Idiom: take someone at their word

To take their offer or suggestion, etc literally.

Idiom: take someone's word for it

To accept what they say as true, without verification.

Idiom: take the words out of someone's mouth

To say exactly what they were about to say.

Idiom: the last word

The final, especially conclusive, remark or comment in an argument.

The most up-to-date design or model, or most recent advance in something.

The finest example of eg a particular quality, etc.
Example: the last word in good taste

Idiom: too funny for words (too stupid etc for words)

colloq
Exceptionally or extremely funny or stupid, etc.

Idiom: word for word

Said of a statement, etc: repeated in exactly the same words, or translated into exactly corresponding words; verbatim.
Thesaurus: verbatim, exactly, literally, accurately, precisely.

Derivative: word of honour

See separate entry.

Idiom: words fail me

I am unable to express my feelings or reaction.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.