word definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word definition" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the meaning of a specific word. For example, "The word definition of 'serendipity' is a fortunate discovery made by accident." Alternative expressions include "definition of a word" and "meaning of the word."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A new word definition task examined word comprehension across grammatical categories, i.e. nouns, verbs and adjectives, and was designed to overcome the ceiling effect.

Schizophrenia Research

There might be questions about pattern recognition, numerical sequences, word definition (What is the difference between "flammable" and "inflammable"?), trigonometry, and logic.

The New Yorker

I asked all the requisite questions — "Can you repeat the word?" "Definition?" "Use it in a sentence?" "Etymology?" — and finally gambled on C-O-N.

The New York Times

You get examples and you can load the word definition for more details.

TechCrunch

GreenBiz Founder and CEO Joel Makower offers a simple four word definition for this concept: Keeping molecules in play.

Forbes

And such a definition of Chinese word will be quite different from the classic word definition (i.e., minimum free form").

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Introductory video lessons (with vocabulary, definitions, & crosswords) and selected readings, (with vocabulary & word definitions).

Columbia University

Tests for verbal reasoning usually involve solving verbal puzzles and providing word definitions.

Columbia University

Answers.com (go tomobile.answers.com on your phone) delivers word definitions and information on famous people and places.

The New York Times

Readers can bookmark pages, look up word definitions using Google, and share excerpts via Twitter, Facebook and email.

The Guardian - Tech

But like its paper counterpart, the New Oxford American Dictionary, the program does much more than word definitions, even without an Internet connection.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the formal meaning of a "word", use "word definition". For more nuanced explanations, consider "meaning of the word" or "explanation of the term".

Common error

Avoid using "word definition" when you actually mean to discuss how a word is used in a particular context. Instead, focus on the "contextual usage" of the word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI validates the common usage of this phrase, indicating its proper grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "word definition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to clarify the meaning of words across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of registers, from general usage to formal academic and professional settings. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "meaning of a word" or "lexical definition" to fine-tune the expression to your specific need. While "word definition" is broadly applicable, avoid using it when discussing the usage of a word in a specific context; instead, focus on its "contextual usage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaning of a word

Replaces "definition" with "meaning", emphasizing the semantic content.

definition of a term

Substitutes "word" with "term", broadening the scope to include specialized vocabulary.

lexical definition

Uses the adjective "lexical" to specify the definition is related to vocabulary.

defining a word

Changes the phrase to a verb form, focusing on the act of defining.

explanation of a word

Replaces "definition" with "explanation", highlighting the process of clarifying meaning.

denotation of a word

Uses "denotation" to refer specifically to the literal or explicit meaning.

the meaning of a lexical item

Uses "lexical item" for more formal and specific reference to a word.

interpreting a word

Focuses on the act of assigning meaning to a word through interpretation.

word's meaning

Uses a possessive form to indicate the meaning belonging to the word.

conceptual definition

Highlights the conceptual understanding associated with the word.

FAQs

What is another way to say "word definition"?

You can use alternatives such as "meaning of a word", "definition of a term", or "lexical definition" depending on the context.

How do I find the "word definition" of a technical term?

Consult specialized dictionaries or glossaries relevant to the field in which the term is used. For example, medical terms often have specific definitions in medical dictionaries.

Which is correct, "word definition" or "definition of a word"?

Both "word definition" and "definition of a word" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or sentence structure.

Where can I find reliable "word definitions"?

You can find reliable definitions in reputable dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, or in specialized dictionaries for specific fields.