word

Less common meanings

9. 9
   short conversationnouncountable or uncountable

   A short talk with someone, sometimes to tell them off gently.

   Can I have a word with you after lunch?

   The coach wanted a quick word before the game started.

   UsageSay have a word with someone.

   Similarchat, talk, conversation

10. 10
    ordernouncountable or uncountable

    An order or instruction that tells people what to do.

    Say the word and I'll come pick you up.

    We waited for the coach's word before starting the drill.

    UsageUse say the word or give the word.

    Similarorder, command, signal

    Note
11. 11
    true thatinterjectionslang

    Slang for 'I agree' or 'that's true', said in reply to someone.

    Like nodding hard and saying 'so true' at the same time.

    "That test was way too hard." "Word."

    Word. That's exactly what I have been saying all along.

    UsageOften used on its own: Word.

    Similarexactly, facts

    Note
12. 12
    meaningless unitnouncountable or uncountable

    A group of letters or sounds treated as one unit, even if it has no meaning.

    The machine printed a strange word that belongs to no language.

    Kids in the reading test sound out made-up words like 'zib' and 'mup.'

    UsageOften in a nonsense word or a made-up word.

    Note
13. 13
    argumentnouncountable or uncountableplural

    Angry talk between people who are upset with each other.

    Mom and the neighbor had words about the broken fence.

    After the game, the two coaches exchanged words near the bench.

    UsageHave words means argue; have a word means talk.

    Similarargument, quarrel, row

    Note
14. 14
    Christnouncountable or uncountable

    In Christian teaching, a name for Jesus Christ as God's living message to the world.

    At Christmas, Christians celebrate the Word coming into the world as a human child.

    The choir sang a hymn praising the Word as God's eternal Son.

    SimilarLogos

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15. 15
    group of bitsnouncountable or uncountable

    In computers, a fixed number of bits that the processor handles together as one unit.

    Like an egg carton: it always holds the same number of eggs, no matter what kind.

    This computer moves data one word at a time.

    In this computer's memory, each word is 32 bits long.

    Note
16. 16
    nounobsoletecountable or uncountable

    A short saying or motto that expresses a piece of wisdom.

    The old word is, 'What the eye views not, the heart rues not.'

    1646, Joseph Hall, The Balm of GileadHere, word means a saying or proverb.

    Let the word be 'Not without mustard'. Your crest is very rare, sir.

    1599, Ben Jonson, Every Man out of His HumourHere, word means a motto.

    Note
17. 17
    verbobsoletetransitive

    To overwhelm someone with so much talk that they give in.

    Similarharangue

    Note
18. 18
    computing (strings)nouncountable or uncountable

    In math and computing, a string of symbols treated as one item.

    The program checks whether each word in the input uses only the letters a and b.

    Using only the letters a and b, you can build words like 'abba' and 'bab'.

    Note
19. 19
    five-letter unitnouncountable or uncountable

    In sending messages by telegraph, a unit of text counted as five letters plus one space.

    Like measuring distance in steps that are all the same size.

    A good telegraph operator could send twenty-five words every minute.

    For this telegraph speed test, five characters plus a space count as one word.

    UsageOften used in words per minute.

    Note
20. 20
    verbarchaicintransitive

    To speak or talk with someone, or to have a conversation.

    Note
21. 21
    verbobsoletetransitive

    To use sweet talk to get what you want from someone.

    He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not / be noble to myself.

    1607, William Shakespeare, Anthony and CleopatraHere, words means flatters or sweet-talks.

    Note
22. 22
    create by magicverbraretransitive

    To make something happen or appear by saying a special word.

    Like magic spells in stories, where saying the right thing makes it real.

    The sorceress worded a flame into being with a single whisper.

    Legends say the old mage could word a storm into being.

    UsageSay word something into being.

    Similarconjure, summon

    Note
23. 23
    nounarchaic

    A special signal or password agreed on in advance, used to tell friends from strangers or to start an action.

    Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George, inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons!

    1592, William Shakespeare, Richard IIIHere, word means a battle cry.