word
• noun 1 a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used to form sentences with others. 2 a remark or statement. 3 (a word) even the smallest amount of something spoken or written: don’t believe a word. 4 (words) angry talk. 5 (the word) a command, slogan, or signal. 6 (one’s word) a person’s account of the truth, especially when it differs from that of another person. 7 (one’s word) a promise or assurance. 8 news. • verb express in particular words. — PHRASES be as good as one’s word do what one has promised. have a word speak briefly to someone. have a word in someone’s ear speak to someone privately and discreetly. in other words that is to say. in so many words precisely in the way mentioned. in a word briefly. a man (or woman) of his (or her) word a person who keeps their promises. on (or upon) my word an exclamation of surprise or emphasis. put words into someone’s mouth 1 inaccurately report what someone has said. 2 prompt someone to say something inadvertently. take someone at their word assume that a person is speaking honestly or sincerely. take the words out of someone’s mouth say what someone else was about to say. take someone’s word (for it) believe what someone says or writes without checking for oneself. too &em;&em; for words informal extremely &em;&em;. waste words talk in vain. word for word in exactly the same or, when translated, exactly equivalent words. word of honour a solemn promise. word of mouth spoken communication as a means of transmitting information. — DERIVATIVES wordless adjective. — ORIGIN Old English.
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