word

word1 [ wɜrd ] noun ***

▸ 1 unit of language

▸ 2 short conversation/talk

▸ 3 news/information

▸ 4 of advice/praise etc.

▸ 5 things someone says/sings

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count a single unit of written or spoken language:

The Latin word for a table is mensa.

The first word that many babies can say is Mama.

Can you read the words on this page?

2. ) singular a short conversation or discussion, usually without other people listening:

want a word (with someone): David wants a word with you.

have a word (with someone): Can I have a word with you?

a ) count a short speech on a particular subject:

say a few words (=give a short speech): I would just like to say a few words about our guest.

word about/on: Let me say a word on the subject of security.

3. ) singular or uncount news or information about someone or something:

We haven't received any word from Brian yet.

word spreads: Word of the incident spread quickly.

send word (=send a message): He sent word by an army messenger that they had arrived in Jakarta.

4. ) count 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.

5. ) words plural someone's words are things 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.

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

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

=> EAT, MARK 2

a dirty word

something that you do not like or do not approve of:

Vacation is a dirty word to most people in this office.

As far as she is concerned, cooking is a dirty word!

from the word go

from the time when something starts:

We expected business would start slowly, but we were really busy from the word go.

give/say the word

to give someone an order to do something

give (someone) your word

to promise to do something:

You gave me your word that you would take care of them.

have/exchange words (with someone)

to have an argument with someone

keep your word

to do what you promised to do

in a word

used for giving the shortest answer possible, without explaining anything:

Did you like Vince? In a word, no.

in other words

used for introducing another way of saying or explaining something, especially a more simple way

a man/woman of his/her word

a man or woman who does what he or she promises to do

my word or upon my word OLD-FASHIONED

used for showing surprise or anger

not have a good word for

to think that someone or something is not very good:

He never seems to have a good word for me.

not hear a word (said) against or 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.

not in so many words

used for saying that someone says something in a very indirect way:

Did he say he was unhappy? Not in so many words.

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

put (something) into words

to express something such as your feelings in words

put words into someone's mouth

to claim that someone has said a particular thing, although they have not said it, or they did not mean what you say they meant

take someone at their word

to do something as a result of what someone has said, even though they may not have meant exactly what they said

take my word for it SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that what you are saying is completely true:

Take my word for it, she still loves you.

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!

word for word

if you repeat something word for word, you repeat it exactly as someone else said it or wrote it

(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.

word of mouth

communication that consists of comments that people make to each other in an informal way, not formal communication such as news reports and advertisements:

The book became a worldwide best-seller, largely by word of mouth.

Most of our customers hear about us by word of mouth.

word up AMERICAN VERY INFORMAL

used for saying hello. This expression is used by young people.

words fail me SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that you are very pleased, surprised, or angry

words to that effect

used for reporting the general meaning of what someone has said, rather than their exact words:

He told me, Go away, or words to that effect.

your word (of honor)

a sincere promise that you make

=> GOOD1, LAST WORD

word

word 2 [ wɜrd ] verb transitive

to use words to express something in a particular way:

You could have worded your message a little more clearly.