word-for-word

1 of 2

adjective

: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2

adverb

: in the exact words : verbatim

Examples of word-for-word in a Sentence

Adverb you don't have to record the professor's comments word for word in your notes
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
The repeating though on a word-for-word basis is not always particularly satisfying. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The claims could have been taken word-for-word from any one of numerous US far-right websites in recent months. David Gilbert, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024
Adverb
Everybody singing the songs word for word is such a powerful moment and such a blessing to experience. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 The slightly older and more conservative wing of the party remains intent on implementing the Taliban’s mid-1990s credo, word for word. Saad Mohseni, Foreign Affairs, 16 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for word-for-word 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-for-word was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near word-for-word

word-formation

word-for-word

word for word

Cite this Entry

“Word-for-word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-for-word. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

word-for-word

1 of 2 adjective
: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2 adverb
: in the exact words : verbatim
repeated the message word for word
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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