catchword

[ kach-wurd ]

noun

1. a memorable or effective word or phrase that is repeated so often that it becomes a slogan, as in a political campaign or in advertising a product.
2. Also called headword, guide word. a word printed at the top of a page in a dictionary or other reference book to indicate the first or last entry or article on that page. Compare running head.
3. a device, used especially in old books, to assist the binder in assembling signatures by inserting at the foot of each page the first word of the following page.
4. keyword ( def 3 ).

catchword

/ ˈkætʃˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a word or phrase made temporarily popular, esp by a political campaign; slogan
2. a word printed as a running head in a reference book
3. theatre an actor's cue to speak or enter
4. the first word of a printed or typewritten page repeated at the bottom of the page preceding

Word History and Origins

Origin of catchword¹

First recorded in 1720–30; catch + word

Example Sentences

And there will be more games like that this season, until consistency and cohesion become reality and not just catchwords.

From Los Angeles Times

He does this through a constant mind-numbing repetition of the same metaphors, slogans, clichés, and catchwords.

From Salon

Despite the political catchwords on Humberto Leon’s streetwear costumes, it doesn’t have a lot to say, but it has the most verve of the three works on the program.

From New York Times

“People are willing to spend, but they are going to be looking for the value proposition of the experience. Engagement is the catchword.”

From New York Times

"It's just like 'American exceptionalism' or 'Make America Great Again': catchwords for gaining power and connecting with the base."

From Salon