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Headword (Noun)

Meaning 1

A content word that can be qualified by a modifier.

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

  • The headword in the phrase 'a great composer' is 'composer' as it is the noun being described by the modifier 'great'.
  • Her headword position title was 'president' though her actual duties varied widely from organization to organization.
  • The modifier 'very cold' qualifies the headword 'water' in the phrase 'the very cold water.'
  • Headwords are essential content words to which other words serve as either qualifiers or supplements.
  • In modern phrasing the modifier often comes after the headword, especially in the case of adjective order rules or in more complex clause constructions.

Synonyms

  • Head Word

Hypernyms

  • Open-class Word

Meaning 2

A word placed at the beginning of a line or paragraph (as in a dictionary entry).

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

  • Each definition began with its respective headword followed by parts of speech and then the explanation.
  • The dictionary editor cross-checked every headword to ensure its perfect representation of the word's multiple meanings.
  • The page displayed a section of dictionary entries arranged alphabetically by headword, including derivatives and inflections.
  • In the dictionary, the headword for the entry was frequently reused in example sentences to illustrate proper usage.
  • Before writing her own dictionary, she studied how other lexicographers formatted the information listed beneath each headword.
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