word / wərd/ • n. a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed. ∎  a single distinct conceptual unit of language, comprising inflected and variant forms. ∎  (usu. words) something that someone says or writes; a remark or piece of information: his grandfather's words had been meant kindly a word of warning. ∎  speech as distinct from action: he conforms in word and deed to the values of a society that he rejects. ∎  (a word) even the smallest amount of something spoken or written: don't believe a word of it. ∎  (one's word) a person's account of the truth, esp. when it differs from that of another person: in court it would have been his word against mine. ∎  (one's word) a promise or assurance: everything will be taken care of—you have my word. ∎  (words) the text or spoken part of a play, opera, or other performed piece; a script: he had to learn his words. ∎  (words) angry talk: her father would have had words with her about that. ∎  a message; news: I was afraid to leave Washington in case there was word from the office. ∎  a command, password, or motto: someone gave me the word to start playing. ∎  a basic unit of data in a computer, typically 16 or 32 bits long.• v. [tr.] choose and use particular words in order to say or write (something): he words his request in a particularly ironic way | [as adj.] (worded) a strongly worded letter of protest. • interj. inf. used to express agreement: “That Jay is one dangerous character.” “Word.”PHRASES: at a word as soon as requested: ready to leave again at a word.be as good as one's word do what one has promised to do.break one's word fail to do what one has promised.have a word speak briefly to someone: I'll just have a word with him.in other words expressed in a different way; that is to say.in so many words in the way mentioned: I haven't told him in so many words, but he'd understand.in a word briefly.keep one's word do what one has promised.a man/woman of his/her word a person who keeps their promises. (on/upon) my word an exclamation of surprise or emphasis: my word, you were here quickly!of few words taciturn: he's a man of few words.put something into words express something in speech or writing: he felt a vague disappointment which he couldn't put into words.put words into someone's mouth falsely or inaccurately report what someone has said. ∎  prompt or encourage someone to say something that they may not otherwise have said.take someone at their word interpret a person's words literally or exactly, esp. by believing them or doing as they suggest.take the words out of someone's mouth say what someone else was about to say.take someone's word (for it) believe what someone says or writes without checking for oneself.too —— for words inf. extremely ——: going around by the road was too tedious for words.waste words1. talk in vain.2. talk at length.the Word (of God) 1. the Bible, or a part of it.2. Jesus Christ (see Logos).word for word in exactly the same or, when translated, exactly equivalent words.word of honor a solemn promise: I'll be good to you always, I give you my word of honor.word of mouth spoken language; informal or unofficial discourse.the word on the street inf. a rumor or piece of information currently being circulated.words fail me used to express one's disbelief or dismay.a word to the wise a hint or brief explanation given, that being all that is required.PHRASAL VERBS: word up [as imper.] inf. listen: word up, my brother, you got me high as a kite.DERIVATIVES: word·age / ˈwərdij/ n.word·less adj.word·less·ly adv.word·less·ness n.