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ALL meanings of out-word

out-word
O o
  • noun out-word 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· bird·. Words are usually separated by spaces in writing, and are distinguished phonologically, as by accent, in many languages. 1
  • noun out-word (used in combination with the first letter of an offensive or unmentionable word, the first letter being lowercase or uppercase, with or without a following hyphen): My mom married at 20, and she mentions the m-word every time I meet someone she thinks is eligible. See also f-word, n-word. 1
  • noun out-word words. speech or talk: to express one's emotion in words; Words mean little when action is called for. the text or lyrics of a song as distinguished from the music. contentious or angry speech; a quarrel: We had words and she walked out on me. 1
  • noun out-word a short talk or conversation: Marston, I'd like a word with you. 1
  • noun out-word an expression or utterance: a word of warning. 1
  • noun out-word warrant, assurance, or promise: I give you my word I'll be there. 1
  • noun out-word news; tidings; information: We received word of his death. 1
  • noun out-word a verbal signal, as a password, watchword, or countersign. 1
  • noun out-word an authoritative utterance, or command: His word was law. 1
  • noun out-word Also called machine word. Computers. a string of bits, characters, or bytes treated as a single entity by a computer, particularly for numeric purposes. 1
  • noun out-word (initial capital letter). Also called the Word, the Word of God. the Scriptures; the Bible. the Logos. the message of the gospel of Christ. 1
  • noun out-word a proverb or motto. 1
  • verb with object out-word to express in words; select words to express; phrase: to word a contract with great care. 1
  • idioms out-word 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. 1
  • idioms out-word be as good as one's word, to hold to one's promises. 1
  • idioms out-word eat one's words, to retract one's statement, especially with humility: They predicted his failure, but he made them eat their words. 1
  • idioms out-word have a word, to talk briefly: Tell your aunt that I would like to have a word with her. 1
  • idioms out-word have no words for, to be unable to describe: She had no words for the sights she had witnessed. 1
  • idioms out-word in a word, in summary; in short: In a word, there was no comparison. Also, in one word. 1
  • idioms out-word in so many words, in unequivocal terms; explicitly: She told them in so many words to get out. 1
  • idioms out-word keep one's word, to fulfill one's promise: I said I'd meet the deadline, and I kept my word. 1
  • idioms out-word man of his word / woman of her word, a person who can be trusted to keep a promise; a reliable person. 1
  • idioms out-word (upon) my word!, (used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment.) 1
  • idioms out-word of few words, laconic; taciturn: a woman of few words but of profound thoughts. 1
  • idioms out-word of many words, talkative; loquacious; wordy: a person of many words but of little wit. 1
  • idioms out-word 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. 1
  • idioms out-word take one at one's word, to take a statement to be literal and true. 1
  • idioms out-word take the words out of one's mouth, to say exactly what another person was about to say. 1
  • idioms out-word 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. 1
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