word

/wɝd/

Reviewed on

Also a verb

Meaning

  1. A single unit of language that has meaning and can be spoken or written.

    • What's the word for a baby dog? Oh, right, puppy.

  2. A short conversation or remark.

    • Can I have a word with you after the meeting?

  3. News or information about something.

    • Any word from the doctor yet?

  4. A promise that you will do something.

    • I'll be there at six. I give you my word.

How it's used

When this means “asks or gives the name of a thing”

  • the word for + noun

Is there a word for that feeling in English?

When this means “talk to someone briefly, often privately”

  • have a word (with + person)

Let me have a word with the manager.

When this means “news spreads to many people”

  • word gets around / out

Word got around that the store was closing.

When this means “do or fail to do what you promised”

  • keep / break your word

She always keeps her word.

Collocations

  • key word
  • spell a word
  • look up a word
  • a word of advice
  • a word of warning
  • kind words
  • give your word
  • true to your word

Synonyms

Idioms

  • in other words

    used to say something again in a simpler or clearer way

    The flight is full. In other words, we have to wait.

  • word for word

    using exactly the same words

    He repeated the story word for word.

  • put into words

    to express a feeling or idea in language

    I can't put into words how grateful I am.

  • in a word

    used to give a very short answer or summary

    How was the trip? In a word, amazing.

  • have the last word

    to make the final comment in an argument

    My brother always has to have the last word.

  • word of mouth

    people telling each other, not ads

    The restaurant grew by word of mouth.

  • take someone's word for it

    to believe what someone says without checking

    You don't have to take my word for it. Try it yourself.