key word

noun

: a word that is a key: such as
a
usually keyword : a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content
b
: a word exemplifying the meaning or value of a letter or symbol

Examples of key word in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The others were either quoting another person’s hateful remarks or using the relevant key words in a non-hateful way. Will Knight, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2022 The 21-year-old pop star hilariously reacted to a recent video posted by a Livie who had just gotten one of her lyrics inked on her skin, sans the correct spelling of a key word. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 May 2024 Ryokans are Japan’s answer to the Vermont bed and breakfast, traditional inns with the key word being traditional. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Markets is a key word, since one question raised on the first day is how many monopolies Google might actually have. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for key word 

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of key word was in 1762

Dictionary Entries Near key word

Cite this Entry

“Key word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20word. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

keyword

noun
key·​word
-ˌwərd
: a word of interest or significance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!