Headword: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
headword
[ หhษdหwษrd ]
lexical item
A headword is the main word or phrase in a dictionary entry that serves as a reference point for its definition, usage, and related information. It is typically printed in bold or highlighted to indicate that it is the subject of the entry. In various contexts, such as linguistics and lexicography, headwords can also denote key terms in texts, glossaries, and academic papers. They play a crucial role in indexing and organizing information, allowing users to efficiently find definitions and details.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The headword 'apple' has several definitions related to fruit.
- In the dictionary, each entry begins with a headword.
- Look up the headword to find its correct pronunciation.
- The headword is essential for understanding the context of the definition.
Translations
Translations of the word "headword" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cabeรงa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Kopf
๐ฎ๐ฉ kepala
๐บ๐ฆ ะณะพะปะพะฒะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ gลowa
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฆๅบใ
๐ซ๐ท tรชte
๐ช๐ธ cabeza
๐น๐ท baล
๐ฐ๐ท ๋จธ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑุฃุณ
๐จ๐ฟ hlava
๐ธ๐ฐ hlava
๐จ๐ณ ๅคด
๐ธ๐ฎ glava
๐ฎ๐ธ hรถfuรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ baล
๐ฒ๐ฝ cabeza
Etymology
The term 'headword' originates from the early practices of lexicography and the organization of written texts. The prefix 'head-' denotes the primary position or leading aspect of something, while 'word' refers to any spoken or written unit of language. Combined, it implies the word that leads a dictionary entry or reference. The concept has been in use since at least the late Middle Ages when scholars began to compile vocabulary lists and dictionaries. Its importance grew with the advent of printed texts in the Renaissance, which led to systematic approaches to language documentation. The term has since evolved, especially with the expansion of digital lexicons and online dictionaries, where headwords serve as crucial navigational tools for users searching for definitions and related linguistic information.