n.
Pronunciation: ' w ə rd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name
Date: before 12th century
1 a : something that is said b plural (1) : TALK , DISCOURSE <putting one's feelings into word s > (2) : the text of a vocal musical composition c : a brief remark or conversation <would like to have a word with you>
2 a (1) : a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use (2) : the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements b (1) : a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word <the number of word s to a line> ― sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism <the first man to utter the f word on British TV ― Time > <we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death ― Erma Bombeck> (2) : any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark c : a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work
3 : ORDER , COMMAND <don't move till I give the word >
4 often capitalized a : LOGOS b : GOSPEL 1A c : the expressed or manifested mind and will of God
5 a : NEWS , INFORMATION <sent word that he would be late> b : RUMOR
6 : the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
7 : SAYING , PROVERB
8 : PROMISE , DECLARATION <kept her word >
9 : a quarrelsome utterance or conversation ― usually used in plural <they had word s and parted>
10 : a verbal signal : PASSWORD
11 slang ― used interjectionally to express agreement
– good word
1 : a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>
2 : good news <what's the good word >
– in a word : in short
– in so many words
1 : in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words >
2 : in plain forthright language < in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen ― Jean Stafford>
– of few words : not inclined to say more than is necessary : LACONIC <a man of few words >
– of one's word : that can be relied on to keep a promise ― used only after man or woman <a man of his word >
– upon my word : with my assurance : INDEED , ASSUREDLY < upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing>