word

noun

UK/wɜːd/
US/wɝːd/

Definitions of word noun

language

  1. A1Countable

    a single unit of language that has meaning and can be spoken or written

    • Your dissertation should not exceed two thousand words.

    • Certain words are more challenging to spell than others.

    • How do you say the word 'bikini' in French?

communication

  1. B2Singular

    a short discussion or statement

    • The manager would like a word with you.

    • Could I have a word with you regarding the sales figures?

    • Perhaps you could have a quiet word with Mike about this issue.

information

  1. Uncountable

    news or a message

    • Have you received any word from Paul since he moved to New York?

    • We received word of their plan from a former colleague.

    • News of the new discovery caused a stir among astronomers.

commitment

  1. Singular

    a promise

    • I said I would visit him, and I intend to keep my word.

    • I give you my word—I will not tell anyone.

    • He is a man of his word.

command

  1. Singular

    an order

    • We are awaiting the word from headquarters before issuing a statement.

    • The troops will mobilize as soon as their commander gives the word.

    • At a word from the teacher, the children began to pack away their books.

Phrases of word noun

  • words

    A situation characterized by talk or discussion, but lacking in concrete action or results.

    Regarding the issue of climate change, we need more action and fewer words.

  • exchange words

    To 'exchange words' means for two or more people to talk to each other briefly.

    I exchanged a few words with the manager in the hallway.

  • the F-word, C-word, etc.

    Used to refer to a word, typically one considered rude, offensive, or embarrassing, by only stating its first letter rather than the full word.

    They still don't allow you to say the F-word on television.

  • a good word

    a statement expressing approval or support for someone or something.

    If you happen to see the captain, could you put in a good word for me?

verb

UK/wɜːd/
US/wɝːd/

Definitions of word verb

  1. TransitiveVerb + adv/prep

    to choose the words you use when you are saying or writing something

    • He carefully worded his response to avoid admitting the initial mistake.

    • She carefully worded her speech.

    • I don't know how to word this matter.

Idioms

  • not get a word in edgeways

    To be unable to speak because another person is talking continuously.

    During the meeting, the manager was talking non-stop, and no one could get a word in edgeways.

  • word gets around

    When information or rumors spread rapidly through a group of people.

    "I heard you did very well in your interview yesterday." "Wow, word gets around fast, doesn't it? I haven't even told anyone yet."

  • (the) word is

    Used to indicate that something has been reported or rumored, but is not yet officially confirmed.

    The word is that they're considering opening a new restaurant downtown.

  • in a word

    Used to express an opinion or summary in a brief and direct manner.

    In a word, this movie is the best one I’ve seen this year.

  • in words of one syllable

    Using plain and simple language, avoiding complex or technical terms.

    This legal document is too complex; can you explain it in words of one syllable?

  • your word is your bond

    This idiom describes someone who always keeps their promises and is highly reliable.

    He is a man of his word; his word is his bond.

  • put the word out

    To disseminate information or news to a wide audience.

    We need to put the word out that the meeting time has changed.

  • by word of mouth

    Communicated orally rather than through writing.

    The news spread by word of mouth, so there wasn't any official announcement.

  • in your own words

    To express something using one's own language and manner, rather than repeating what someone else has said.

    Please explain the theory in your own words, rather than just repeating what’s in the textbook.

  • word has it

    This phrase is used to indicate that something is believed to be true by many people, even though it has not been officially confirmed or is not known as a definite fact.

    Word has it that the company is about to declare bankruptcy.

  • (upon) my word!

    An exclamation used to express surprise, disbelief, or emphasis.

    (Upon) my word! I forgot my keys.

  • give your word

    To make a solemn promise or commitment.

    He gave his word that he would keep the secret, so I trust him.

  • words fail me

    This phrase is used to express that one is so surprised or shocked, especially by something just seen or heard, that they are unable to find the right words to say.

    When I saw the wreckage of the car, words truly failed me. It was completely destroyed.

  • from the word go

    from the very beginning; from the initial stage.

    This project faced numerous challenges from the word go.

  • word for word

    Using the exact same words as were originally spoken or written.

    She listened carefully to everything I said and repeated it word for word to her mother.

  • a man/woman of his/her word

    A person who consistently fulfills their promises and commitments.

    I trust him because he's always been a man of his word.

  • (the) word is/gets out

    A piece of news, especially if previously secret or likely to cause changes, has become known.

    The word is out that they plan to launch a new product line next month.

  • put words in/into someone's mouth

    To falsely suggest that someone meant something different from what they actually said, often by misrepresenting or exaggerating their words.

    Please don't put words in my mouth; I never said you need to resign, I only suggested you might consider other options.

  • breathe/say a word

    to disclose or mention something to someone else.

    You must not breathe a word about this matter to anyone.

  • take the words out of someone's mouth

    To express an idea or thought that another person was just about to articulate or was considering.

    "This movie is absolutely fantastic!" "You took the words right out of my mouth!"

  • take someone's word for it

    To accept what someone says as the truth without requiring proof.

    She said the food at this restaurant was amazing, and I took her word for it.

  • have a word in someone's ear

    To give someone a piece of advice or information privately.

    I'll have a word in the boss's ear to make sure he knows about your contributions.

  • in someone's words

    This phrase is used to indicate that you are repeating the exact words someone else has used.

    According to him, he was, in his words, 'absolutely exhausted' at the time.

  • put in a good word for someone

    To recommend or speak favorably of someone to another person, often to help them gain an advantage.

    I hope you can put in a good word for me with the manager; I really want this job.