word

Syllabification: (word)

Pronunciation: /wərd/

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Definition of word

noun

a 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.
a single distinct conceptual unit of language, comprising inflected and variant forms.
(usually words) something that someone says or writes; a remark or piece of information:his grandfather’s words had been meant kindly a word of warning
speech as distinct from action:he conforms in word and deed to the values of a society that he rejects
[with negative] (a word) even the smallest amount of something spoken or written:don’t believe a word of it
(one's word) a person’s account of the truth, especially when it differs from that of another person:in court it would have been his word against mine
(one's word) a promise or assurance:everything will be taken care of—you have my word
(words) the text or spoken part of a play, opera, or other performed piece; a script:he had to learn his words
(words) angry talk:her father would have had words with her about that
a message; news:I was afraid to leave Washington in case there was word from the office
a command, password, or motto:someone gave me the word to start playing
a basic unit of data in a computer, typically 16 or 32 bits long.

verb

[with object]

choose and use particular words in order to say or write (something):he words his request in a particularly ironic way (as adjective, with submodifier worded)a strongly worded letter of protest

exclamation

informal

used to express agreement:“That Jay is one dangerous character.” “Word.”

Phrases

at a word: as soon as requested:ready to leave again at a word
be as good as one's word: do what one has promised to do.
break one's word: fail to do what one has promised.
have a word: speak briefly to someone:I’ll just have a word with him
in other words: expressed in a different way; that is to say.
in so many words: [often with negative] in the way mentioned:I haven’t told him in so many words, but he’d understand
in a word: briefly.
keep one's word: do what one has promised.
a man/woman of his/her word: a person who keeps their promises.
(on/upon) my word: an exclamation of surprise or emphasis:my word, you were here quickly!
of few words: taciturn:he’s a man of few words
put something into words: express something in speech or writing:he felt a vague disappointment which he couldn’t put into words
put words into someone's mouth: falsely or inaccurately report what someone has said.; prompt or encourage someone to say something that they may not otherwise have said.
take someone at their word: interpret a person’s words literally or exactly, especially by believing them or doing as they suggest.
take the words out of someone's mouth: say what someone else was about to say.
take someone's word (for it): believe what someone says or writes without checking for oneself.
too —— for words: informal extremely ——:going around by the road was too tedious for words
waste words
the Word (of God)
word for word: in exactly the same or, when translated, exactly equivalent words.
word of honor: a solemn promise:I’ll be good to you always, I give you my word of honor
word of mouth: spoken language; informal or unofficial discourse.
the word on the street: informal a rumor or piece of information currently being circulated.
words fail me: used to express one’s disbelief or dismay.
a word to the wise: a hint or brief explanation given, that being all that is required.

Phrasal Verbs

word up: [as imperative] informal listen:word up, my brother, you got me high as a kite

Derivatives

wordage
wordless
wordlessly
wordlessness

Origin:

Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch woord and German Wort, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin verbum 'word'

word in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of word in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

noun

verb

exclamation

Phrases

at a word

be as good as one's word

break one's word

have a word

in other words

in so many words

in a word

keep one's word

a man/woman of his/her word

(on/upon) my word

of few words

put something into words

put words into someone's mouth

take someone at their word

take the words out of someone's mouth

take someone's word (for it)

too —— for words

waste words

the Word (of God)

word for word

word of honor

word of mouth

the word on the street

words fail me

a word to the wise

Phrasal Verbs

word up

Derivatives

wordage

wordless

wordlessly

wordlessness

Origin:

word in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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