KEY WORD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does key word mean? 

• KEY WORD (noun)
  The noun KEY WORD has 2 senses:

1. a word that is used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message

2. a significant word used in indexing or cataloging

  Familiarity information: KEY WORD used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• KEY WORD (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A word that is used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("key word" is a kind of...):

key (a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A significant word used in indexing or cataloging

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("key word" is a kind of...):

word (a unit of language that native speakers can identify)

Holonyms ("key word" is a part of...):

index (an alphabetical listing of names and topics along with page numbers where they are discussed)