keyword

• key word
• key-word

From key +‎ word.

keyword (plural keywords)

1. Any word used as the key to a code.
2. (information science) Any word used in a reference work to link to other words or other information.
3. (programming) A reserved word used to identify a specific command, function, etc.
   • 1982, Popular Computing (volume 1, issues 9-12, page 113)

     Each function has an entry address which must be quoted after the USR keyword.

4. (linguistics) Any word that occurs in a text more often than normal.

• operative word (in a sentence)
• workword (rare)

• (information science): index term
• (information science): descriptor

keyword (third-person singular simple present keywords, present participle keywording, simple past and past participle keyworded)

1. (transitive) To tag with keywords, as for example to facilitate searching.
   • 2008 March 12, Philip Gefter, “Type in ‘Native American’ and Search (Someday) 13 Million Photos”, in New York Times‎:

     Besides being able to search the photography collections, of which 3,000 images have been scanned in so far, the feature is meant to provide a more subjective and spontaneous way for visitors to view the art: browsing images, looking at them sequentially and keywording, or tagging, them for themselves and other viewers.

• dyework

keyword m (invariable)

1. (computing) keyword