keyword

Or key word

[kee-wurd]

noun

1. a word that serves as a key, as to the meaning of another word, a sentence, passage, or the like.

2. a word used to encipher or decipher a cryptogram, as a pattern for a transposition procedure or the basis for a complex substitution.

3. 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.

4. 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.”

keyword

/ ˈkiːˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a word used as a key to a code

2. any significant word or phrase, esp a word used to describe the contents of a document

Word History and Origins

Origin of keyword¹

First recorded in 1855–60; key ¹ + word

Example Sentences

With the help of social media, stories that had mostly been limited to neighbourhood gossip now make for viral "pelakor" content, a slang term for homewrecker and an oft-used keyword in videos of wives confronting their husbands' mistresses.

From BBC

The online hate reached a level so bad that the show had to air a statement during one episode saying: "The keyword in Love Island is… Love. We love our fans. We love our Islanders. We don't love cyberbullying, harassment or hate."

From BBC

The show broadcast a message this week in the middle of an episode: "The keyword in Love Island is… Love. We love our fans. We love our Islanders. We don't love cyberbullying, harassment or hate."

From BBC

The keyword for Donald Trump's first 100 days has been impunity.

From Salon

In April 2019, a community hashtag for the popular gay keyword “les” disappeared from Weibo, an X-like microblogging platform.

From Los Angeles Times