General:
* A unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that has meaning. This is the most basic definition, encompassing both spoken and written language.
* A distinct unit of meaning in a language. This emphasizes the semantic aspect of words, meaning their individual meanings and how they contribute to the overall meaning of a sentence.
Specific:
* Spoken or written language: "He spoke the words of wisdom."
* A unit of language used in a specific context: "The word 'love' has many different meanings."
* A promise or assurance: "He gave his word that he would be there."
* A message or information: "The word came back that the king was dead."
Technical:
* In computer science: A sequence of characters treated as a unit of data.
* In music: A combination of tones sung or played in a particular order.
Ultimately, the best definition of "word" depends on the specific situation in which you encounter it.