word

I UK [wɜː(r)d] / US [wɜrd] noun
Word forms "word":
singular word plural words
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1) [countable] a single unit of written or spoken language

The first word that many babies speak is "Mama".

Can you read the words on this page?

The Latin word for a table is "mensa".

2)

a) words

[plural] someone's words are things that they say

I was remembering the words of my old friend.

in your own words:

Tell us in your own words how the accident happened.

b) used about the words of a song, rather than the music

I can hum the tune, but I don't know the words.

••

See:

eat, mark II

3)

a) [singular] a short conversation or discussion, usually without other people listening

want a word (with someone):

David wants a quiet word with you.

have a word (with someone):

Can I have a quick word with you?

b) [countable] a short speech on a particular subject

word about/on:

Let me say a word on the subject of security.

say a few words (= give a short speech):

I would just like to say a few words about our guest.

4) [singular/uncountable] news or information about someone or something

We've had no word from Brian yet.

send word (= send a message):

He sent word that they had arrived safely.

word spreads:

Word of the incident spread quickly.

5) [countable, usually singular] if someone gives you a word of something such as advice, praise, or warning, they advise, praise, or warn you

A word of advice – don't take anything Gina says too seriously.

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give/say the word — to give someone an order to do something

All you have to do is say the word, and I'll leave.

When I give the word, start the machine.

give (someone) your word — to promise to do something

You gave me your word that you would look after them.

have/exchange words (with someone) — to have an argument with someone

Tom and I have already had words about that today.

a man/woman of his/her word — a man or woman who does what he or she promises to do

not hear a word (said) against= not hear a bad word about — used for emphasizing that you think someone or something is extremely good

Jan won't hear a word against him.

not hear/understand etc a (single) word — used for emphasizing that someone does not hear/understand etc anything that you say to them

Jane could hardly understand a word Mervyn said.

I don't believe a single word he told me.

put in a (good) word for someone — to tell someone about the good qualities that a particular person has, usually in order to get an advantage for that person

He promised to put in a word for me with the boss.

too ... for words — used for emphasizing a particular quality that someone or something has

If her father came to pick her up, that would be too embarrassing for words!

(the) word is that — used for telling someone what other people have said about something

Word is that her latest book is the best yet.

your word (of honour) — a sincere promise that you make

I give you my word of honour this will never happen again.

- from the word go

- keep your word

- in a word

- in other words

- my word

- not have a good word for

- not in so many words

- put words into someone's mouth

- take someone at their word

- take my word for it

- word for word

- word of mouth

- words fail me

- words to that effect

See:

dirty I, good I, the last word

II UK [wɜː(r)d] / US [wɜrd] verb [transitive]
Word forms "word":
present tense I/you/we/they word he/she/it words present participle wording past tense worded past participle worded

to use words to express something in a particular way

You could have worded your message a bit more clearly.