key word
nounDefinition of key word
: a word that is a key: such as
a
usually keyword \ ˈkē-ˌwərd 
\
: a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content
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: 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
In watching international terrorism, authorities are able to track key words and phrases in online communications and then seek a warrant to identify the interlocutors. — Ron Kampeas, sun-sentinel.com, "9/11-style response needed to fight white supremacists, Jewish security officials say," 13 Aug. 2019 Keep in mind though, the words well meant, don’t necessarily translate to being good enough, but without those key words, the outcome has already been decided, at least for today. — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, "Racing! Big win for Jerry Hollendorfer and CTT," 27 July 2019 One key word seems to connect Trump and Johnson’s professional experience: incompetence. — Natasha Frost, Quartz, "No, Boris Johnson isn’t the UK’s Donald Trump," 25 July 2019 Yet the key word there is progress—the idea that things are indeed getting better, if at a glacial pace. — Fortune, "Gender Equality Backslides in China: The Broadsheet," 18 July 2019 Barring a massive change, the key word is outrageous. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Why Melvin Gordon Faces an Uphill Climb to Get the Contract He Wants," 12 July 2019 Anyone with information is asked to contact the Antioch police at 925-778-2441 or text a tip to 274637 using the key word Antioch. — Michael Cabanatuan, SFChronicle.com, "Antioch police seek man in car shooting," 7 July 2019 And friendly is the key word here, as aggressive behavior is not allowed. — Kathleen Christiansen, orlandosentinel.com, "Orlando Dog Mom Club connects and empowers women," 1 May 2019 That’s the key word for season No. 5 of pushing for a title. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Even if Warriors conjure historic comeback, their dynastic era is ending," 8 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'key word.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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