word

noun

• 1a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed: I don’t like the word ‘unofficial’ why so many words for so few ideas?
• a single distinct conceptual unit of language, comprising inflected and variant forms.
• (usually words) something spoken or written; a remark or statement:his grandfather’s words had been meant kindly a word of warning
• [with negative] (a word) even the smallest amount of something spoken or written:don’t believe a word of it
• (words) angry talk:her father would have had words with her about that
• [mass noun] speech as distinct from action:he conforms in word and deed to the values of a society that he rejects

• 2a command, password, or signal:someone gave me the word to start playing
• [mass noun] communication; news:I was afraid to leave Edinburgh in case there was word from the War Office

• 3 (one's word) one’s account of the truth, especially when it differs from that of another person:in court it would have been his word against mine
• a promise or assurance:everything will be taken care of—you have my word

• 4 (words) the text or spoken part of a play, opera, or other performed piece; a script:he had to learn his words

• 5a basic unit of data in a computer, typically 16 or 32 bits long.

verb

• [with object] express (something spoken or written) in particular words:he words his request in a particularly ironic way (as adjective, with submodifier worded)a strongly worded letter of protest

exclamation

• used to express agreement or affirmation: Word, that’s a good record, man