word

[[t]wɜ͟ː(r)d[/t]]

♦

words, wording, worded

1) N-COUNT A word is a single unit of language that can be represented in writing or speech. In English, a word has a space on either side of it when it is written.

The words stood out clearly on the page...

The word `ginseng' comes from the Chinese word `Shen-seng'.

...swear words...

Do you enjoy word puzzles?

2) N-PLURAL: oft with poss Someone's words are what they say or write.

I was devastated when her words came true...

The words of the young woman doctor echoed in his ears...

Allied military leaders have said they want actions, not words.

3) N-PLURAL: usu the N The words of a song consist of the text that is sung, in contrast to the music that is played.

Can you hear the words on the album?.

Syn:

lyrics

4) N-SING: a N If you have a word with someone, you have a short conversation with them. [SPOKEN]

I think it's time you had a word with him...

James, could I have a quiet word?...

It's the detective-sergeant. He wants a word.

5) N-COUNT: N of n If you offer someone a word of something such as warning, advice, or praise, you warn, advise, or praise them.

A word of warning. Don't stick too precisely to what it says in the book...

May I also say a word of thanks to all the people who sent letters.

6) N-SING: a N, with brd-neg (emphasis) If you say that someone does not hear, understand, or say a word, you are emphasizing that they hear, understand, or say nothing at all.

I can't understand a word she says...

I bet he doesn't remember a single word...

Not a word was spoken.

7) N-UNCOUNT: also the N If there is word of something, people receive news or information about it.

There is no word from the authorities on the reported attack...

Word has been spreading fast of the incidents on the streets...

Both men sent word that they had retired for the evening.

8) N-SING: poss N If you give your word, you make a sincere promise to someone.

...an adult who gave his word the boy would be supervised...

He simply cannot be trusted to keep his word.

9) N-SING: the N If someone gives the word to do something, they give an order to do it.

I want nothing said about this until I give the word.

10) VERB To word something in a particular way means to choose or use particular words to express it.

[V n adv/prep] If I had written the letter, I might have worded it differently.

Derived words:

-worded COMB in ADJ-GRADED

...a strongly-worded statement.

...a carefully-worded speech.

11) → See also , code word, , play on words, , spoken word, written word

12) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that people consider something to be a dirty word, you mean that they disapprove of it.

So many people think feminism is a dirty word.

13) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone has to eat their words, you mean that they have to admit that they were wrong about something they said in the past, especially when this makes them look foolish.

He has had to eat his words about the company being recession-proof.

14) PHRASE: n PHR A person of few words says very little, especially about their opinions or feelings.

He's a man of few words, very polite and unassuming.

15) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you do something from the word go, you do it from the very beginning of a period of time or situation.

It's essential you make the right decisions from the word go.

16) PHRASE: V inflects If you hang on someone's every word, you listen very carefully to what they are saying, because you admire or respect them.

Melina was hanging on his every word, fascinated.

17) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR prep (emphasis) You can use expressions such as never have a good word to say or never have a bad word to say to emphasize that a person always criticizes someone or something, or that they never criticize them.

The press never has a good word to say about them...

She doesn't have a kind word for anyone.

18) PHR-RECIP: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n If one person has words with another, or if two or more people have words, they have a serious discussion or argument, especially because one has complained about the other's behaviour.

We had words and she stormed out...

I shall have words with these stupid friends of mine!

19) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use in their words or in their own words to indicate that you are reporting what someone said using the exact words that they used.

Even the Assistant Secretary of State had to admit that previous policy did not, in his words, produce results.

20) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use in a word to indicate that you are giving a summary of what you have just been saying, or are giving a reply, in as brief a way as possible.

Victor, in a word, got increasingly fed up...

`Shouldn't he be given the leading role?' - `In a word - No.'

Syn:

in short

21) PHRASE If someone has the last word or the final word in a discussion, argument, or disagreement, they are the one who wins it or who makes the final decision.

She does like to have the last word in any discussion...

The final word will still come from the Secretary of State.

22) PHRASE: PHR n, usu v-link PHR (emphasis) If you say that something is the last word in luxury, comfort, or some other quality, you are emphasizing that it has a great deal of this quality.

The spa is the last word in luxury and efficiency.

23) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If someone is lost for words, they cannot think of anything to say, especially because they are very surprised by something.

I'm lost for words - it's fantastic...

She was gaping at it, lost for words.

Syn:

dumbstruck

24) PHRASE: usu with brd-neg, usu PHR after v, PHR with cl If you say that someone has said something, but not in so many words, you mean that they said it or expressed it, but in a very indirect way.

`And has she agreed to go with you?' - `Not in so many words. But I read her thoughts'.

25) PHRASE: usu PHR with cl (emphasis) If you say `mark my words' to someone, you are emphasizing that something you have just warned them about is very likely to happen, especially when you think they should change their attitude or behaviour to prevent it. [SPOKEN]

That's what you'll end up with, you mark my words.

26) PHRASE: oft by/through PHR If news or information passes by word of mouth, people tell it to each other rather than it being printed in written form.

The story has been passed down by word of mouth.

27) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone is putting words into your mouth or is putting words in your mouth, you mean that they are suggesting that you mean one thing when you really mean something different.

28) PHRASE If you refer to someone as a man of his word or a woman of her word, you mean that they always keep their promises and can be relied on.

29) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say in other words in order to introduce a different, and usually simpler, explanation or interpretation of something that has just been said.

The mobile library services have been reorganised - in other words, they visit fewer places.

30) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl If you say something in your own words, you express it in your own way, without copying or repeating someone else's description.

Now tell us in your own words about the events of Saturday.

31) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR that If you pass the word, you tell someone something that another person has told you.

Friends passed the word that the miners wanted to see him.

32) PHRASE: V inflects If someone says the word, they give their approval as a sign that something should start to happen.

When I say the word, follow me down.

33) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR about n, PHR that If you spread the word, you tell people about something.

The community reacted quickly and spread the word about safe sex.

34) PHRASE: V inflects If you take someone at their word, you believe what they say, when they did not really mean it or when they meant something slightly different.

They're willing to take him at his word when he says, `Oh, I made mistakes and now I'll change.'

35) PHRASE: V inflects If you say to someone `take my word for it', you mean that they should believe you because you are telling the truth.

You'll buy nothing but trouble if you buy that house, take my word for it.

36) PHRASE: v-link PHR (emphasis) You can use expressions such as too silly for words and too ridiculous for words to emphasize that someone or something is extremely silly or ridiculous.

It's too stupid for words not having the machines switched on when they're most needed...

I feel simply too devastated for words.

37) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR with cl If you are true to your word or as good as your word, you do what you say you will do.

How do I know that he will be true to his word?...

They were as good as their word and stayed away.

38) PHRASE: PHR after v If you repeat something word for word, you repeat it exactly as it was originally said or written.

I don't try to memorize speeches word for word.

Syn:

verbatim

39) not get a word in edgeways → see edgeways

not mince your words → see mince

the operative word → see operative

actions speak louder than words → see speak

war of words → see war