Word
keyword
Phoneticskey·word, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkiˌwɝd/
UK/kˈiːwɜːd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a word that is very important for understanding a specific topic or for finding information in a search engine. In computing, a keyword is a special word that has a fixed meaning in a programming language and cannot be used for other purposes like naming variables.
n. a term that captures the essence of a topic or serves as a search term in information retrieval systems. In programming and software development, a keyword is a reserved word with a predefined function that the compiler or interpreter recognizes as a specific command or instruction.
Examples
“You should include a keyword in your search to find better results.”
“The researcher highlighted every keyword in the abstract to ensure the main themes were clear to the reader.”
“In digital marketing, selecting the right keyword is essential for optimizing search engine visibility and reaching the target audience effectively.”
Examples
simple
“You should include a keyword in your search to find better results.”
contextual
“The researcher highlighted every keyword in the abstract to ensure the main themes were clear to the reader.”
complex
“In digital marketing, selecting the right keyword is essential for optimizing search engine visibility and reaching the target audience effectively.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural when referring to search engine optimization or academic indexing.
Etymology
From key + word.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/keyword