Word Games Pro Dictionary

words

noun verb

The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
5
Starts with
W
Ends with
S
Contains
OR
Scrabble score
9
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

/wɜːdz/

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

noun

  1. The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)

  2. Something like such a unit of language:

  3. The fact or act of speaking, as opposed to taking action. .

  4. Something that someone said; a comment, utterance; speech.

  5. A watchword or rallying cry, a verbal signal (even when consisting of multiple words).

    “mum's the word”

  6. A proverb or motto.

  7. News; tidings (used without an article).

    “Have you had any word from John yet?”

  8. An order; a request or instruction; an expression of will.

    “Don't fire till I give the word”

  9. A promise; an oath or guarantee.

    “I give you my word that I will be there on time.”

  10. A brief discussion or conversation.

    “Can I have a word with you?”

  11. (in the plural) See words.

    “There had been words between him and the secretary about the outcome of the meeting.”

  12. (sometimes Word) Communication from God; the message of the Christian gospel; the Bible, Scripture.

    “Her parents had lived in Botswana, spreading the word among the tribespeople.”

  13. (sometimes Word) Logos, Christ.

verb

  1. To say or write (something) using particular words; to phrase (something).

    “I’m not sure how to word this letter to the council.”

  2. To flatter with words, to cajole.

  3. To ply or overpower with words.

  4. To conjure with a word.

  5. To speak, to use words; to converse, to discourse.

noun

  1. Angry debate or conversation; argument.

    “After she found out the truth, she had words with him, to tell him how she felt.”

  2. Lines in a script for a performance.

    “You better get your words memorised before rehearsal next Saturday.”

  3. Lyrics.

    “The composer set the words to music.”

In context

Example Sentences

mum's the word
Have you had any word from John yet?
Don't fire till I give the word
I give you my word that I will be there on time.
Can I have a word with you?
There had been words between him and the secretary about the outcome of the meeting.
Her parents had lived in Botswana, spreading the word among the tribespeople.
I’m not sure how to word this letter to the council.
After she found out the truth, she had words with him, to tell him how she felt.
You better get your words memorised before rehearsal next Saturday.
The composer set the words to music.

Similar words

Synonyms

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