key word
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a variation of
keyword.
keywordnouna word that serves as a key, as to the meaning of another word, a sentence, passage, or the like.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The key word is “distillation,” a technique by which a new AI model taps the expertise of an existing one.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
Asked about the allegations against Miller, House Speaker Mike Johnson told the press, “The key word there is ‘allegation.’
From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2026
"I imagine everything will be very polished, pristine - again, romantic is that key word," she said.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
Resilience was the key word when the Iran war was just a week or two old, and the damage was greatest to overseas markets, such as South Korea and Brazil.
From Barron's ● Mar. 29, 2026
A new kid, a transfer from Monument High, asked, “What happens when Brother Jacques finds out we’re putting him on? When he finds out that the key word is environment?”
From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
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