1word 
/ˈwɚd/ noun
plural words /ˈwɚd/ noun 1 [count] : a sound or combination of sounds that has a meaning and is spoken or written
▪ How do you spell that word? ▪ “Please” is a useful word. ▪ Our teacher often used words I didn't know. ▪ What is the French word for car? ▪ She was a genius in every sense of the word. [=she was truly a genius] ▪ You don't need to use big words [=difficult words used to try to impress people] to make your point. ▪ Words fail me. [=I don't know what to say] — see also buzzword, four-letter word, function word, password, swearword, watchword, weasel word 2 [count] : a brief remark or conversation : something that a person says
▪ You can't believe a word (of what) she says. [=you can't believe anything she says] ▪ Describe the experience in your own words. ▪ The lawyer used Joe's words against him. ▪ Could I have a word with you? [=could I talk with you briefly?] ▪ They gave me a word of warning [=they told me about] about the slippery roads. ▪ Don't say/breathe a word [=don't talk] about this to anyone. ▪ My grandfather was a man of few words. [=a man who did not talk very much] ▪ I've been asked to say a few words [=make a short speech or statement] about the new play. 3 [singular] : an order or command
▪ She gave the word to begin. ▪ We will wait for your word before we serve dinner. 4 [singular] : news or information
▪ (Is there) Any word on how they are? ▪ If word of this gets out, we're all in trouble. ▪ What's the word? ▪ There is still no word from the hospital. ▪ Spread the word [=tell the others] that we're leaving in five minutes. ▪ They sent word [=sent a message] that they'd be late. ▪ Word has it [=I have heard] that the neighbors are moving next month. ▪ The police put/got the word out that they were looking for him. [=the police let people know that they were looking for him] 5 [singular] : a promise to do something
▪ I'll be there. I give you my word. [=I promise] ▪ You'd better keep your word. [=keep your promise to do something] ▪ He is a man of his word. = His word is his bond. [=he always keeps his promises] ▪ I told her I'd help. I can't go back on my word. [=I can't break my promise] ▪ You'll have to take my word for it. [=you'll have to believe me] ▪ She was true to her word. [=she did what she said she would do] — see also word of honor (below) 6 words [plural] : angry remarks
▪ Words were exchanged [=people said angry things to each other] and a fight broke out. ▪ He had words [=had an argument] with his boss. 7 the Word religion : stories and lessons of the Bible
▪ the Word of God
▪ How do you spell that word? ▪ “Please” is a useful word. ▪ Our teacher often used words I didn't know. ▪ What is the French word for car? ▪ She was a genius in every sense of the word. [=she was truly a genius] ▪ You don't need to use big words [=difficult words used to try to impress people] to make your point. ▪ Words fail me. [=I don't know what to say] — see also buzzword, four-letter word, function word, password, swearword, watchword, weasel word
▪ You can't believe a word (of what) she says. [=you can't believe anything she says] ▪ Describe the experience in your own words. ▪ The lawyer used Joe's words against him. ▪ Could I have a word with you? [=could I talk with you briefly?] ▪ They gave me a word of warning [=they told me about] about the slippery roads. ▪ Don't say/breathe a word [=don't talk] about this to anyone. ▪ My grandfather was a man of few words. [=a man who did not talk very much] ▪ I've been asked to say a few words [=make a short speech or statement] about the new play.
▪ She gave the word to begin. ▪ We will wait for your word before we serve dinner.
▪ (Is there) Any word on how they are? ▪ If word of this gets out, we're all in trouble. ▪ What's the word? ▪ There is still no word from the hospital. ▪ Spread the word [=tell the others] that we're leaving in five minutes. ▪ They sent word [=sent a message] that they'd be late. ▪ Word has it [=I have heard] that the neighbors are moving next month. ▪ The police put/got the word out that they were looking for him. [=the police let people know that they were looking for him]
▪ I'll be there. I give you my word. [=I promise] ▪ You'd better keep your word. [=keep your promise to do something] ▪ He is a man of his word. = His word is his bond. [=he always keeps his promises] ▪ I told her I'd help. I can't go back on my word. [=I can't break my promise] ▪ You'll have to take my word for it. [=you'll have to believe me] ▪ She was true to her word. [=she did what she said she would do] — see also word of honor (below)
▪ Words were exchanged [=people said angry things to each other] and a fight broke out. ▪ He had words [=had an argument] with his boss.
▪ the Word of God
actions speak louder than words — see action
a picture is worth a thousand words — see 1worth
at a loss for words — see loss
a word in someone's ear
chiefly Brit : a remark that is made privately to someone
▪ May I have a word in your ear [=may I speak to you privately] before you leave?
▪ May I have a word in your ear [=may I speak to you privately] before you leave?
a word to the wise
— used to say that you are about to give someone advice or a warning ▪ A word to the wise: never sign a contract without reading it first.
by word of mouth
: by being told by another person
▪ We found this hotel by word of mouth.
▪ We found this hotel by word of mouth.
eat your words — see eat
from the word go
informal : from the beginning
▪ The show was a success from the word go. ▪ We were in trouble (right) from the word go.
▪ The show was a success from the word go. ▪ We were in trouble (right) from the word go.
get a word in edgewise — see edgewise
good word
: a favorable comment
▪ Please put in a good word for me [=say something good about me] when you talk to the boss. ▪ (US, informal) I haven't seen you in ages! What's the good word? [=how's it going?; how are you?]
▪ Please put in a good word for me [=say something good about me] when you talk to the boss. ▪ (US, informal) I haven't seen you in ages! What's the good word? [=how's it going?; how are you?]
hang on someone's every word — see 1hang
in a word
: very briefly : in short — used to indicate that you are saying something by using only one word or by using as few words as possible ▪ Our answer, in a word, is no.
in other words
— used to introduce a statement that repeats what has been said in a different and usually a simpler or more exact way ▪ “She said the movie was a bit predictable.” “In other words, she didn't like it.” ▪ So, in other words, you're saying that you forgot to do it.
in so many words also in as many words
: in exactly those words or in exactly that way — usually used in negative statements ▪ “Did he say he wouldn't do it?” “Not in so many words, but that was the impression I got.”
in words of one syllable
: in clear and simple terms
▪ We explained our views to the press in words of one syllable.
▪ We explained our views to the press in words of one syllable.
lost for words — see 2lost
mark my words — see 2mark
mum's the word — see 1mum
play with words — see 1play
put words in/into someone's mouth
: to suggest that someone said or meant something that he or she did not say or mean
▪ Don't put words in my mouth. I wasn't defending his actions, despite what you may think.
▪ Don't put words in my mouth. I wasn't defending his actions, despite what you may think.
say the word
: to give an order
▪ When you want to leave (just) say the word.
▪ When you want to leave (just) say the word.
take the words right out of someone's mouth
: to say exactly what someone was thinking
▪ I agree! You took the words right out of my mouth!
▪ I agree! You took the words right out of my mouth!
the last/final word 1 : the final thing said in an argument or a discussion
▪ Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter. ▪ Why do you always have to have the last word? [=to be the last person to speak] 2 : the power to make a final decision
▪ The judge will have the last word [=the final say] on the divorce agreement. 3 informal : the most modern or best one of its kind
▪ This is the last word in wireless phones. ▪ The van's design is the last word in safety.
▪ Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter. ▪ Why do you always have to have the last word? [=to be the last person to speak]
▪ The judge will have the last word [=the final say] on the divorce agreement.
▪ This is the last word in wireless phones. ▪ The van's design is the last word in safety.
(upon) my word
somewhat old-fashioned — used to express surprise ▪ My word, what a beautiful dress!
war of words
: an argument in which people or groups criticize and disagree with each other publicly and repeatedly for usually a long time
▪ Rival groups have engaged in a war of words over the new law.
▪ Rival groups have engaged in a war of words over the new law.
word for word
: in the exact words
▪ He gave the same speech word for word [=verbatim] yesterday.
▪ He gave the same speech word for word [=verbatim] yesterday.
word of honor
◊Your word of honor is your promise that you will do something, that something is true, etc.
▪ I give you my word of honor that I will pay the money back.
▪ I give you my word of honor that I will pay the money back.
