keyword
or key word
a word that serves as a key, as to the meaning of another word, a sentence, passage, or the like.
a word used to encipher or decipher a cryptogram, as a pattern for a transposition procedure or the basis for a complex substitution.
Also called catchword. Library Science. a significant or memorable word or term in the title, abstract, or text of a document or other item being indexed, used as the index entry.
Digital Technology. a word used to classify or organize digital content, or to facilitate an online search for information: Search the database for the keyword “Ireland.”
Origin of keyword
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use keyword in a sentence
I also believe the administration is hiding something about Benghazi and Fast and Furious, but the key word is “believe.”
But the key word is actionable—I'm interested in questions you can act on, to possibly bring about change.
Warren Berger Tells How to Ask a ‘Beautiful Question’ | Scott Goodson | March 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe key word here is appointed, not elected, which means he had zero legitimate popular support.
The key word is reaction; we do not do anything until it is too late.
We Stop The Next Aurora Not With Gun Control, But With Better Mental Health Treatment | David R. Dow | July 24, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTThey appeared to be sincere and contrite, although of course “appear” is the key word there.
This was the key-word given to the different members of the staff to be passed on down the line to every official in authority.
The Wreckers | Francis LyndeMarked changes of topics, for example, will be indicated by a long inflection upon the key-word.
Browning and the Dramatic Monologue | S. S. CurryAnd now this man—the ringleader who keeps the key word buried in secrecy—has the temerity to ask an audience with you.
Meeting of the Board | Alan Edward NourseUnless they knew the key-word, they wouldn't have been any better off than are we—I mean than is the United States.
The Cab of the Sleeping Horse | John Reed ScottHe knows his attempt to bribe me failed, and that the only way he can have access to the letter is to come with the key-word.
The Cab of the Sleeping Horse | John Reed Scott
British Dictionary definitions for keyword
/ (ˈkiːˌwɜːd) /
a word used as a key to a code
any significant word or phrase, esp a word used to describe the contents of a document
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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