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word noun
1 the smallest unit of spoken or written language that can be used independently, usually separated off by spaces in writing and printing.
2 a brief conversation on a particular matter.
3 any brief statement, message or communication • a word of caution.
4 news or notice • any word of Jane? • She sent word she'd arrive tomorrow.
5 a rumour • The word is he's bankrupt.
6 one's solemn promise.
7 an order • expects her word to be obeyed.
8 a word given as a signal for action • Wait till I give the word.
9 what someone says or said • remembered her mother's words.
10 (words) language as a means of communication • impossible to convey in words.
11 (words) an argument or heated discussion; verbal contention • We had words when he returned.
12 (words) discussion in contrast to action • Words alone will get us nowhere.
13 (words) a the lyrics of a song, etc; b the speeches an actor must learn for a particular part.
14 (the Word) Christianity the teachings contained in the Bible.
15 a watchword • mum's the word.
16 computing a a group of bits or bytes that can be processed as a single unit by a computer, the size of a word varying according to the size of the computer; b in word processing: any group of characters separated from other such groups by spaces or punctuation, whether or not it is a real word.
17 in compounds used after a letter and preceded by the (sense 4a) indicating something unmentionable or taboo beginning with that letter • the m-word (for 'marriage') • the c-word (for 'cancer'). verb (worded, wording) to express something in carefully chosen words. a good word a recommendation, praise, etc • not a good word to say about anyone. as good as one's word careful to keep one's promise. a word in someone's ear a confidential or private conversation. break one's word to fail to keep or fulfil one's promise. by word of mouth see under word of mouth. have a word with someone to speak with them, usually for a specific reason. have no words for someone or something to be at a loss to describe or express them or it. have words with someone colloq to quarrel with them. in a word briefly; in short. in other words saying the same thing in a different way. in so many words explicitly; bluntly. my word or upon my word an exclamation of surprise. not the word for it not a strong enough expression for it • Stupid isn't the word for it. of many or few words inclined to be talkative or reserved. put in a good word for someone to recommend or mention them favourably to someone who could benefit them in some way. put words into someone's mouth to attribute or supply to them words that they did not, or do not intend to, use. say the word to give one's consent or approval for some action to proceed. take someone at their word to take their offer or suggestion, etc literally. take someone's word for it to accept what they say as true, without verification. take the words out of someone's mouth to say exactly what they were about to say. the last word 1 the final, especially conclusive, remark or comment in an argument. 2 the most up-to-date design or model, or most recent advance in something. 3 the finest example of eg a particular quality, etc • the last word in good taste. too funny or stupid, etc for words colloq exceptionally or extremely funny or stupid, etc. word for word said of a statement, etc: repeated in exactly the same words, or translated into exactly corresponding words; verbatim. words fail me I am unable to express my feelings or reaction.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon.

word

–noun

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 black- bird- from black- bir-. 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.

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.

6.	news; tidings; information: We received word of his death.

7.	a verbal signal, as a password, watchword, or countersign.

8.	an authoritative utterance, or command: His word was law.

9.	Also called machine word. Computers. a string of bits, characters, or bytes treated as a single entity by a computer, particularly for numeric purposes.

10.

(initial capital letter

) Also called the Word, the Word of God.

a.	the Scriptures; the Bible.

b.	the Logos.

c.	the message of the gospel of Christ.

11.	a proverb or motto.

–verb (used with object)

12.	to express in words; select words to express; phrase: to word a contract with great care.

—Idioms

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, esp. 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.

18.	in a word, in summary; in short: In a word, there was no comparison. Also, in one word.

19.	in so many words, in unequivocal terms; explicitly: She told them in so many words to get out.

20.	keep one's word, to fulfill one's promise: I said I'd meet the deadline, and I kept my word.

21.	man of his word or woman of her word, a person who can be trusted to keep a promise; a reliable person.

22.	my word! or upon my word! (used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment.)

23.	of few words, laconic; taciturn: a woman of few words but of profound thoughts.

24.	of many words, talkative; loquacious; wordy: a person of many words but of little wit.

25.	put in a good word for, to speak favorably of; commend: He put in a good word for her with the boss. Also, put in a word for.

26.	take one at one's word, to take a statement to be literal and true.

27.	take the words out of one's mouth, to say exactly what another person was about to say.

28.	weigh one's words, to choose one's words carefully in speaking or writing: It was an important message, and he was weighing his words.

Origin:
bef. 900; ME, OE; c. D woord, G Wort, ON orth, Goth waurd; akin to OPruss wirds, L verbum word, Lith var̃das name