Word
/wɜːrd/noun
A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing.
Did you know?In ancient times, words were believed to have intrinsic power, capable of conjuring spells and influencing reality itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*werdʰ-
“to speak, say, or express”
Old English
Old English
word
“a unit of speech or written language”
Middle English
Middle English
worde
“a term or expression used in speech or writing”
14th Century
Latin
verbum
“a word, speech, or saying; root of verb in Latin”
Modern English
English
word
“the fundamental unit of language used to convey meaning”