/wɜːrd/
Word has 18 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Intj · Proper Noun
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
"words are the blocks from which sentences are made"
"he hardly said ten words all morning"
information about recent and important events
"they awaited news of the outcome"
an exchange of views on some topic
"we had a good discussion"
"we had a word or two about it"
a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
"he forgot the password"
the sacred writings of the Christian religions
"he went to carry the Word to the heathen"
The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)
"She opened her copy of the book to read a passage from Scripture before starting her morning prayers."
The smallest discrete unit of spoken language with a particular meaning, composed of one or more phonemes and one or more morphemes
Scripture; The Bible.
In plain English: A word is a single unit of language that has its own specific meaning and can be used to make sentences.
"She wrote a few words in her diary to remember the special day."
Usage: Use "word" to refer to any distinct unit of speech or writing that carries independent meaning, distinguishing it from smaller sound units like syllables. Avoid confusing the general noun with its specific grammatical counterpoint, as a word may consist of multiple meaningful parts called morphemes.
put into words or an expression
"He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees"
To say or write (something) using particular words; to phrase (something).
"The old oak tree seemed to word into a majestic landmark over the centuries."
Alternative form of worth (“to become”).
In plain English: To word something means to express your thoughts or feelings using spoken or written language.
"She decided to word her apology carefully before sending it."
Truth, indeed, that is the truth! The shortened form of the statement "My word is my bond."
"When I promised to finish the report by noon, you can take my word for it."
Microsoft Word, word processor software developed by Microsoft.
"I spent all morning formatting my resume in Microsoft Word to make sure it looked professional for the interview."
The word "word" comes from Old English and originally meant a spoken statement or promise. It traveled into modern English with this same meaning, rooted in ancient Germanic languages that described the act of speaking.