Word
word
Phoneticsword
US/ˈwɝd/
UK/wˈɜːd/
Definitions
01unit of language
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a single unit of language that has meaning and can be spoken or written.
n. the smallest discrete unit of language that functions as a meaningful component of an utterance.
“I did not understand the last word he said in the sentence.”
“The linguist argued that the definition of a word varies significantly between analytic and polysynthetic languages.”
Synonyms
02a promise
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a promise or a guarantee that you will do something.
n. an assurance or promise given by a person as a guarantee of their intentions.
Español:palabra
“He gave me his word that he would arrive by six o'clock.”
“In professional circles, giving one's word is often considered as binding as a written contract.”
03news or information
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. news or information about something that has happened.
n. information or news, typically transmitted via speech or informal communication.
“We are waiting for word from the hospital about his condition.”
“Word reached the capital that the rebels had retreated toward the northern border.”
Synonyms
04a short conversation
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a brief talk or discussion with someone.
n. a brief conversation, often private or focused on a specific request.
“Can I have a quick word with you after the meeting?”
“The manager requested a word with the supervisor to clarify the new safety protocols.”
Synonyms
05computing unit
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a fixed amount of data that a computer processes at one time.
n. the natural unit of data used by a particular processor design, typically 32 or 64 bits.
“The processor uses a 64-bit word to handle complex calculations.”
“Memory alignment is crucial because the CPU fetches data in word-sized chunks rather than individual bytes.”
06religious scripture
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. the Bible or the message of God in Christianity.
n. the scriptures of the Bible or the manifestation of the divine; often capitalized as 'the Word'.
“The priest spent the morning studying the Word.”
“The sermon focused on spreading the Word to those who had not yet heard the gospel.”
07to phrase something
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to choose specific words to say or write something.
v. to express or phrase a thought or statement in a particular way.
Español:redactar
“I need to be careful how I word this email to my boss.”
“The legal team carefully worded the disclaimer to minimize the company's liability in case of an accident.”
08agreement
C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal
interj. you say this to show you agree with someone or that they are right.
interj. an exclamation used to express agreement, affirmation, or acknowledgment of the truth.
“"That movie was amazing." "Word."”
“He just nodded and said "Word" when I told him the party was going to be crowded.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “word” in context.
Usage
Commonly used with the preposition 'for' when asking about translations or definitions.
Pitfall
I have many words to tell you.
I have a lot to tell you.
Learners often use 'words' to mean 'information' or 'things to say', but 'word' in the singular is used for news or messages.
Etymology
Semantic loan from Koine Greek λόγος (lógos).
Ellipsis of Microsoft Word; from word.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Related words
Idioms
01. bad word
02. breathe a word
03. dicky
04. dirty word
05. empty words
06. from the word go
07. get the word out
10. have a word
Show all 47
11. have a word in someone's ear
13. have words
14. last word
15. loaded word
16. man of few words
17. mark my words
18. mince words
19. mouth the words
20. mum's the word
21. my word
24. play on words
25. put words in someone's mouth
26. Richard
27. say the word
28. send word
29. spread the word
30. sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
31. suit the action to the word
32. take someone's word for it
33. ten-cent word
34. ten-dollar word
35. the word is go
36. war of words
37. winged word
39. word is bond
40. word it
41. word of finger
42. word of mouth
44. word on the wire
45. word to the wise
Domain
- 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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/word
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0