What is a headword?



A headword, also known as the main entry, is the word or phrase that is listed first in a dictionary entry. It is the word that is being defined or described. The headword is typically presented in bold or larger font to distinguish it from other words or phrases that may be included in the definition or examples.

The headword is the main focus of the dictionary entry, and all the information provided in the entry pertains to that specific word or phrase. The headword is often followed by one or more definitions, which explain the meaning or meanings of the word.

In addition to definitions, a dictionary entry may also include information such as pronunciation, etymology (the history of a word), grammatical information, usage notes, and examples of the word used in context.

In some dictionaries, the headword may also be followed by one or more variant forms of the word, such as inflected forms, alternate spellings, or regional variations.

In some languages, like Chinese and Japanese, the headword is usually written in the script of the language, accompanied by a transliteration in the script of the target language.

The headword is the most important part of a dictionary entry and it is usually the first thing that a user looks for when searching for a word in a dictionary. It is essential for a good dictionary to have accurate and up-to-date headwords to help users find the information they need quickly and easily.

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