English Reference
noun · verb · interjection

word

n. · v. · interj.
US /ˈwɝd/ UK /wˈɜːd/ word UK spelling word's, word's, worded

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    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.

    Simple

    I did not understand the last word he said in the sentence.

    In context

    The linguist argued that the definition of a word varies significantly between analytic and polysynthetic languages.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    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.

    Simple

    He gave me his word that he would arrive by six o'clock.

    In context

    In professional circles, giving one's word is often considered as binding as a written contract.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.news or information about something that has happened.

    n.information or news, typically transmitted via speech or informal communication.

    Simple

    We are waiting for word from the hospital about his condition.

    In context

    Word reached the capital that the rebels had retreated toward the northern border.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    n.a brief talk or discussion with someone.

    n.a brief conversation, often private or focused on a specific request.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The manager requested a word with the supervisor to clarify the new safety protocols.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    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.

    Simple

    The processor uses a 64-bit word to handle complex calculations.

    In context

    Memory alignment is crucial because the CPU fetches data in word-sized chunks rather than individual bytes.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate 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'.

    Simple

    The priest spent the morning studying the Word.

    In context

    The sermon focused on spreading the Word to those who had not yet heard the gospel.

  7. 07 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.

    Simple

    I need to be careful how I word this email to my boss.

    In context

    The legal team carefully worded the disclaimer to minimize the company's liability in case of an accident.

  8. 08 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    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.

    Simple

    "That movie was amazing." "Word."

    In context

    He just nodded and said "Word" when I told him the party was going to be crowded.

Usage words by email · neutral word · word processing


Etymology 1

Semantic loan from Koine Greek λόγος (lógos).

Etymology 2

Ellipsis of Microsoft Word; from word.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated