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 Supporting your people Empathy is the key word in crisis management and in learning from crises. London Business School, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Entrepreneurs must pay attention that their AI systems are trained on diverse, accurate and verified data sets (with verified being the key word here). Don Markland, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Potential is the key word here, as most of the girls had little to no training coming in. Jenna Wang, Peoplemag, 30 Jan. 2024 Balance is the key word to use when describing her styling work—the proportions are always just right. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 15 Jan. 2024 The key word here is slightly: Each training image should only have a small influence on the network’s behavior. Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2023 Coined by Pinterest as one of their 2024 trend predictions, the eclectic grandpa is all about colorful knitwear, tweed, loafers, patterned boxer shorts, sensible sneakers, baseball caps, and wristwatches; key words: retro, custom, vintage. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2024 In response to questions, Meta Platforms Inc. also began blocking key words associated with searching for undressing apps. Margi Murphy, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2023 The software also has the ability to improve their song writing by generating key words. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 23 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'key word.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

keyword

noun
key·​word
-ˌwərd
: a word of interest or significance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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