Phrase guide

give the word

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To communicate or signal to another that an action or event is allowed to commence or should be commenced, usually but not necessarily by linguistic communication.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We can't start the project until the boss has given us the word.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the concept of using a certain word used as a signal to others that they are allowed to commence on some event. While the term originally meant that a pre-decided word was to be used, the term has since evolved to mean giving allowance for an event to commence in general, not necessarily by a specific word.