Word — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈwərd/

Meaning & Definition of Word

Word (noun)

  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. a gesture or series of gestures that symbolizes and communicates a meaning of an object or concept, sign
  3. the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements

Word (verb)

  1. to express in words, phrase
  2. speak

Word (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field

    "my doctor used all of these medical words that I didn't understand"

    similar: expression, term
  2. something that is said

    "people who believe that the Bible is the literal word of God"

  3. a report of recent events or facts not previously known

    "what's the latest word on the airplane crash?"

    similar: 411 (slang), advice(s), gen (chiefly British), info, information, intelligence, item, news, story, tidings, uncos (chiefly Scottish)
  4. a person's solemn declaration that he or she will do or not do something

    "I give you my word that I won't try to escape"

    similar: oath, pledge, promise, troth, vow
  5. a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

    "the troops waited for their commanding officer to give the word"

  6. information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy

    "don't tell anyone I told you about the shake-up, but that's the word right now"

  7. a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard

    "What's the word? demanded the sentry"

  8. an often stated observation regarding something from common experience

    "are there truer words than never look a gift horse in the mouth?"

Word (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to convey in appropriate or telling terms

    "tried to word the declaration exactly right"

Related Entry: Word for word (adverb)

Word for word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for word for word, not for word.

  1. in the same words

    "you don't have to record the professor's comments word for word in your notes"

    opposite: inexactly

Related Entry: Word-of-mouth (adjective)

Word-of-mouth is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for word-of-mouth, not for word.

  1. made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing

    "not having the money to run ads, the restaurant relies on word-of-mouth publicity"

    opposite: paper, written

Related Entry: Dirty word (noun)

Dirty word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for dirty word, not for word.

  1. a disrespectful or indecent word or expression

    "I'm afraid I won't be much help on the trip—the only Spanish I know is a handful of dirty words"

Related Entry: Four-letter word (noun)

Four-letter word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for four-letter word, not for word.

  1. a disrespectful or indecent word or expression

    "clapped her hands over the toddler's ears so he wouldn't hear the four-letter word"

Related Entry: Last word (noun)

Last word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for last word, not for word.

  1. a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time

    "a swimsuit that is the last word in sportswear this season"

Related Entry: My word (interjection)

My word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for my word, not for word.

  1. how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable

    "my word, how that child has grown!"

    similar: ah, aha, come on, fie, indeed, no, pshaw, well, what, why

Related Entry: Guide word (noun)

Guide word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for guide word, not for word.

  1. either one of the words that are at the top of a page in a dictionary or similar book and that show the first and last words on the page

    "It is easiest to use the guide words to find the page for the word you are looking up."

Related Entry: Give one's word (phrase)

Give one's word is a different word from Word. The synonyms below are for give one's word, not for word.

  1. to make a solemn declaration of intent

    "She gave her word she would return home once the mission was complete."

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Word

The most common words with a similar meaning to Word:

Slang: 411
Chiefly British: gen
Chiefly Scottish: uncos

Near Antonyms of Word

Word Forms of Word

Inflections: words, worded, wording

Origin & Etymology of Word

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Word

Words & Phrases Containing Word

Frequently Asked Questions about Word

What does "Word" mean?

"Word" means 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. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: 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. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Word"?

Other words for "Word" include expression, term, statement, utterance, 411, advice(s), gen and info. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Word" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Word"?

There are 188 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Word". Common alternatives include expression, term, statement, utterance, 411, advice(s), gen, info, information and intelligence.

How do you use "Word" in a sentence?

Examples of "Word" in a sentence: "my doctor used all of these medical words that I didn't understand"; "people who believe that the Bible is the literal word of God"; "what's the latest word on the airplane crash?".

Is "Word" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Word" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Word" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Word" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Word"?

"Word" is pronounced /ˈwərd/.

What is the origin of the word "Word"?

"Word" comes from Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name. First known use: before 12th century.