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
Nine of Wands: Resilience is your key word this month, Cancer.
—
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Change was a key word used throughout the afternoon — Smith, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and university president Darryll J. Pines said the word nearly a dozen times.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Employees and members of Congress also have flagged concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to search contracts, websites and emails for key words such as diversity and climate change and to scan employee emails for anti-Trump sentiment.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 19 May 2025
There have been a few tweaks to meal menus and logistical details, but the key word is tweaks.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for key word
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.
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Change was a key word used throughout the afternoon — Smith, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and university president Darryll J. Pines said the word nearly a dozen times.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Employees and members of Congress also have flagged concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to search contracts, websites and emails for key words such as diversity and climate change and to scan employee emails for anti-Trump sentiment.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 19 May 2025
There have been a few tweaks to meal menus and logistical details, but the key word is tweaks.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for key word
Cite this Entry
“Key word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20word. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share