text

[ tekst ]

noun

1. the main body of matter in a manuscript, book, newspaper, etc., as distinguished from notes, appendixes, headings, illustrations, etc.
2. the original words of an author or speaker, as opposed to a translation, paraphrase, commentary, or the like:

   The newspaper published the whole text of the speech.

3. the actual wording of anything written or printed:

   You have not kept to the text of my remarks.

4. any of the various forms in which a writing exists:

   The text is a medieval transcription.

5. the wording adopted by an editor as representing the original words of an author:

   the authoritative text of Catullus.

6. any theme or topic; subject.
7. the words of a song or the like.
8. a textbook.
9. a short passage of Scripture, especially one chosen in proof of a doctrine or as the subject of a sermon:

   The text he chose was the Sermon on the Mount.

10. the letter of the Holy Scripture, or the Scriptures themselves.
11. Printing.
    1. black letter.
    2. type, as distinguished from illustrations, margins, etc.
12. Linguistics. a unit of connected speech or writing, especially composed of more than one sentence, that forms a cohesive whole.
13. anything considered to be a subject for analysis by or as if by methods of literary criticism.
14. Digital Technology. a text message.

verb (used without object)

, Digital Technology.

1. to send a text message:

   Texting while driving is an accident asking to happen.

verb (used with object)

, Digital Technology.

1. to send a text message about or containing: Compare instant message ( def 2 ).

   He texted congratulations to his niece on her new job.

2. to send a text message to:

   The only way I can ever reach her is to text her.

text

/ tɛkst /

noun

1. the main body of a printed or written work as distinct from commentary, notes, illustrations, etc
2. the words of something printed or written
3. often plural a book prescribed as part of a course of study
4. computing the words printed, written, or displayed on a visual display unit
5. the original exact wording of a work, esp the Bible, as distinct from a revision or translation
6. a short passage of the Bible used as a starting point for a sermon or adduced as proof of a doctrine
7. the topic or subject of a discussion or work
8. printing any one of several styles of letters or types
9. short for textbook
10. short for text message

verb

1. to send a text message from a mobile phone

Derived Forms

• ˈtextless, adjective

Other Words From

• textless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of text¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Medieval Latin textus “text, terms,” Latin: “text, structure,” originally, “pattern of weaving, texture (of cloth),” equivalent to tex(ere) “to weave” + -tus suffix of verbal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of text¹

C14: from Medieval Latin textus version, from Latin textus texture, from texere to compose

Example Sentences

Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

From BBC

The only thing that’s changed is that the Stake watermarks now have clarifying text, often reading “Gamble Responsibly” or “This Is An #Ad,” in addition.

From Slate

Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

From BBC

Enter your phone number and we'll text you a link to set up the podcast in your app:

From Slate

We'll only text you about setting up this podcast, no spam.

From Slate

Related Words

• content
• document
• idea
• paragraph
• passage
• quotation
• theme
• verse
• wording