Definition

1. Noun:

   • A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing: A unit of language, with a specific meaning, that can be spoken or written and is used to form sentences.
   • A brief remark or statement: Something said, often a short comment or utterance.
   • News or information: A message or piece of information about something.
   • A promise or assurance: A verbal commitment or pledge.
   • A command or signal: An order or instruction given verbally.
   • The text of a song or speech: The verbal content, as opposed to the music or delivery.

2. Verb:

   • To express something in particular words: To choose and use specific language to phrase a statement or idea.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The word "book" is a common noun. (The unit of language "book" is a common noun.)
  • He didn't say a word during the entire meeting. (He made no remark or statement.)
  • We received word of their safe arrival. (We received news of their safe arrival.)
  • She gave me her word that she would be on time. (She gave me her promise.)
  • Wait for my word before you start. (Wait for my command or signal.)
  • I know the tune but I've forgotten the words. (I've forgotten the text of the song.)

• Verb:

  • You should word your complaint more politely. (You should express your complaint using more polite language.)

Advanced Usage

• "In other words": Used to introduce a rephrasing or clarification of what has just been said.
  • He's frugal. In other words, he hates spending money.
• "To have a word with someone": To speak to someone briefly, often for a private or serious purpose.
  • The manager needs to have a word with you about your report.
• "To keep one's word": To do what one has promised.
  • You can trust him; he always keeps his word.
• "The last/final word": The final statement or decision in an argument or discussion.
  • My father always gets the last word in any debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Wording (n): The choice and arrangement of words used to express something.
  • The wording of the contract is very precise.
• Wordy (adj): Using or expressed in too many words.
  • His explanation was long and wordy.

Synonyms

• Term: A word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept.
• Promise: A declaration or assurance that one will do something.
• News: Newly received or noteworthy information.
• Utterance: A spoken word, statement, or vocal sound.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Word up (slang, chiefly imperative): Listen; pay attention.
  • Word up! The boss is coming.
• Word something out (rare): To express something fully in words.
  • He tried to word out his feelings in the letter.

Related Idioms

• A man/woman of his/her word: A person who keeps their promises.
  • She's a woman of her word; if she agreed, she'll do it.
• From the word go: From the very beginning.
  • This project has been problematic from the word go.
• In a word: Briefly; to summarize.
  • In a word, the performance was stunning.
• Put in a good word for someone: To say something favorable about someone to another person.
  • Could you put in a good word for me with the hiring manager?
• Take someone at their word: To believe exactly what someone says.
  • I took him at his word and didn't check the facts.

Noun

1. the sacred writings of the Christian religions
   • he went to carry the Word to the heathen
2. a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
   • he forgot the password
3. the divine word of God; the second person in the Trinity (incarnate in Jesus)
4. a word is a string of bits stored in computer memory
   • large computers use words up to 64 bits long
5. a promise
   • he gave his word
6. an exchange of views on some topic
   • we had a good discussion
   • we had a word or two about it
7. a verbal command for action
   • when I give the word, charge!
8. information about recent and important events
   • they awaited news of the outcome
9. a brief statement
   • he didn't say a word about it
10. 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

Verb

1. put into words or an expression
   • He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees