Definition of “word”

noun

1. one of the units of speech or writing that native speakers of a language usually regard as the smallest isolable meaningful element of the language, although linguists would analyse these further into morphemes lexicalverbal
2. an instance of vocal intercourse; chat, talk, or discussion  ⇒ to have a word with someone 
3. an utterance or expression, esp a brief one  ⇒ a word of greeting 
4. news or information  ⇒ he sent word that he would be late 
5. a verbal signal for action; command  ⇒ when I give the word, fire! 
6. an undertaking or promise  ⇒ I give you my word he kept his word 
7. an autocratic decree or utterance; order  ⇒ his word must be obeyed 
8. a watchword or slogan, as of a political party  ⇒ the word now is ``freedom'' 
9. computing a set of bits used to store, transmit, or operate upon an item of information in a computer, such as a program instruction
10. See as good as one's word
11. See at a word
12. See by word of mouth
13. See in a word
14. See my word!
15. See of one's word
16. See put in a word for
17. See take someone at his word
18. See take someone's word for it
19. See the last word
20. See the word
21. See upon my word!
22. See word for word
23. See word of honour
24. (modifier) of, relating to, or consisting of words  ⇒ a word list 

verb

25. (tr) to state in words, usually specially selected ones; phrase
26. (tr) up Australian informal to inform or advise (a person)

noun

• See the Word

combining form in countable noun

1. (preceded by the and an initial letter) a euphemistic way of referring to a word by its first letter because it is considered to be in some way unmentionable by the user  ⇒ the C-word, meaning cancer