content word

American  

noun

1. a word, typically a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, that carries semantic content, bearing reference to the world independently of its use within a particular sentence (function word ).

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content word British  

/ ˈkɒntɛnt /

noun

1. a word to which an independent meaning can be given by reference to a world outside any sentence in which the word may occur Compare function word lexical meaning

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Etymology

Origin of content word

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

“During emotional outbursts,” the filing says, Bailey “has destroyed my personal property including my laptop that contained critical music and content word” and “stole my legally owned firearm during an argument in August of 2023 and was found outside the house in possession of it.”

From Los Angeles Times