A unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning.

Words are composed of one or more morphemes and are either the smallest units susceptible of independent use or consist of two or three such units combined under certain linking conditions, as with the loss of primary accent that distinguishes blackbird from black bird. Words are usually separated by spaces in writing, and are distinguished phonologically, as by accent, in many languages. Words a.speech or talk: to express one's emotion in words; Words mean little when action is called for. b. the text or lyrics of a song as distinguished from the music. c. contentious or angry speech; a quarrel: We had words and she walked out on me. a. speech or talk: to express one's emotion in words; Words mean little when action is called for. b. the text or lyrics of a song as distinguished from the music. c. contentious or angry speech; a quarrel: We had words and she walked out on me. 3. a short talk or conversation: Marston, I'd like a word with you. 4. an expression or utterance: a word of warning. 5. warrant, assurance, or promise: I give you my word I'll be there. 12. to express in words; select words to express; phrase: to word a contract with great care. 13. at a word, in immediate response to an order or request; in an instant: At a word they came to take the situation in hand. 14. be as good as one's word, to hold to one's promises. 15. eat one's words, to retract one's statement, especially with humility: They predicted his failure, but he made them eat their words. 16. have a word, to talk briefly: Tell your aunt that I would like to have a word with her. 17. have no words for, to be unable to describe: She had no words for the sights she had witnessed.

1. one of the units of speech or writing that native speakers of a language usually regard as the smallest isolable meaningful element of the language, although linguists would analyse these further into morphemesRelated: lexical , verbal 2. an instance of vocal intercourse; chat, talk, or discussion: to have a word with someone 3. an utterance or expression, esp a brief one: a word of greeting

4. news or information: he sent word that he would be late 5. a verbal signal for action; command: when I give the word, fire! 6. an undertaking or promise: I give you my word ; he kept his word 7. an autocratic decree or utterance; order: his word must be obeyed 8. a watchword or slogan, as of a political party: the word now is ``freedom'' 9. computing a set of bits used to store, transmit, or operate upon an item of information in a computer, such as a program instruction 10. as good as one's word doing what one has undertaken or promised to do 11. at a word at once 12. by word of mouth orally rather than by written means 13. in a word briefly or in short 14. my word! a. an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc b. ( Austral ) an exclamation of agreement 15. of one's word given to or noted for keeping one's promises: I am a man of my word 16. put in a word for , put in a good word for to make favourable mention of (someone); recommend 17. take someone at his word , take someone at her word to assume that someone means, or will do, what he or she says: when he told her to go, she took him at his word and left 18. take someone's word for it to accept or believe what someone says 19. the last word a. the closing remark of a conversation or argument, esp a remark that supposedly settles an issue b. the latest or most fashionable design, make, or model: the last word in bikinis c. the finest example (of some quality, condition, etc): the last word in luxury 20. the word the proper or most fitting expression: cold is not the word for it, it's freezing! 21. upon my word! a. archaic on my honour b. an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc 22. word for word a. (of a report, transcription, etc) using exactly the same words as those employed in the situation being reported; verbatim b. translated by substituting each word in the new text for each corresponding word in the original rather than by general sense 23. word of honour a promise; oath 24. ( modifier ) of, relating to, or consisting of words: a word list vb (often foll by up ) 25. ( tr ) to state in words, usually specially selected ones; phrase 26. informal ( Austral ) to inform or advise (a person)