key word
/kiː wɜːrd/
Meaning
A 'key word' (often written as one word 'keyword' or two 'key word') is a significant word that serves as a key to finding information in a database, search engine, or text. In academic settings, it refers to the most important words that capture the essence of a topic.
Examples
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You should highlight each key word in the paragraph to help you study.
You should highlight each key word in the paragraph to help you study.
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When searching the library database, make sure to use the correct key words.
When searching the library database, make sure to use the correct key words.
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The teacher asked us to write down five key words from the reading passage.
The teacher asked us to write down five key words from the reading passage.
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If you don't understand this key word, the rest of the sentence won't make sense.
If you don't understand this key word, the rest of the sentence won't make sense.
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Using the right key word can save you hours of research online.
Using the right key word can save you hours of research online.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to find the keyful words for my search.
✓ I need to find the key words for my search.
'Key' functions as an adjective here; 'keyful' is not a word.
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✗ The key word of this math equation is 'plus'.
✓ The key term in this math equation is 'plus'.
In technical subjects like mathematics, 'key term' or 'operator' is preferred over 'key word'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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To find relevant articles, type a ___ into the search bar.
💡 A significant word used for searching.
Show answer
key word
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Underline any ___ you don't know, and look them up in the dictionary.
💡 An important vocabulary item.
Show answer
key word