word Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a unit of language that native speakers can identify
    • words are the blocks from which sentences are made
    • he hardly said ten words all morning
  2. noun a brief statement
    • he didn't say a word about it
  3. noun information about recent and important events
    news; tidings; intelligence.
    • they awaited news of the outcome
  4. noun a verbal command for action
    • when I give the word, charge!
  5. noun an exchange of views on some topic
    discussion; give-and-take.
    • we had a good discussion
    • we had a word or two about it
  6. noun a promise
    word of honor; parole.
    • he gave his word
  7. noun a word is a string of bits stored in computer memory
    • large computers use words up to 64 bits long
  8. noun the divine word of God; the second person in the Trinity (incarnate in Jesus)
    Logos; Son.
  9. noun a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
    countersign; password; watchword; parole.
    • he forgot the password
  10. noun the sacred writings of the Christian religions
    Christian Bible; Bible; Word of God; Holy Writ; Holy Scripture; Book; Good Book; Scripture.
    • he went to carry the Word to the heathen
  11. verb put into words or an expression
    phrase; articulate; formulate; give voice.
    • He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees

WordNet

Word noun
Etymology
AS. word; akin to OFries. & OS. word, D. woord, G. wort, Icel. or&edh;, Sw. & Dan. ord, Goth. waúrd, OPruss. wirds, Lith. vardas a name, L. verbum a word; or perhaps to Gr. "rh`twr an orator. Cf. Verb.
Definitions
  1. The spoken sign of a conception or an idea; an articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language; a constituent part of a sentence; a term; a vocable. "A glutton of words." Piers Plowman.
    You cram these words into mine ears, against The stomach of my sense. Shak.
    Amongst men who confound their ideas with words, there must be endless disputes. Locke.
  2. Hence, the written or printed character, or combination of characters, expressing such a term; as, the words on a page.
  3. pl. Talk; discourse; speech; language.
    Why should calamity be full of words? Shak.
    Be thy words severe; Sharp as he merits, but the sword forbear. Dryden.
  4. Account; tidings; message; communication; information; -- used only in the singular.
    I pray you . . . bring me word thither How the world goes. Shak.
  5. Signal; order; command; direction.
    Give the word through. Shak.
  6. Language considered as implying the faith or authority of the person who utters it; statement; affirmation; declaration; promise.
    Obey thy parents; keep thy word justly. Shak.
    I know you brave, and take you at your word. Dryden.
    I desire not the reader should take my word. Dryden.
  7. pl. Verbal contention; dispute.
    Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me. Shak.
  8. A brief remark or observation; an expression; a phrase, clause, or short sentence.
    All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Gal. v. 14.
    She said; but at the happy word "he lives," My father stooped, re-fathered, o'er my wound. Tennyson.
    There is only one other point on which I offer a word of remark. Dickens.
    Syn. -- See Term.
Word intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To use words, as in discussion; to argue; to dispute. R.
Word transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Worded; present participle & verbal noun Wording
Definitions
  1. To express in words; to phrase.
    The apology for the king is the same, but worded with greater deference to that great prince. Addison.
  2. To ply with words; also, to cause to be by the use of a word or words. Obs. Howell.
  3. To flatter with words; to cajole. Obs. Shak. L'Estrange.

Webster 1913