noun
Very common
words
wurdz
Words (noun) means an angry exchange or argument. Example: “The neighbors had words over the fence line dispute.”
noun
1
An angry exchange or argument.
"The neighbors had words over the fence line dispute."
"I had words with my brother last night, and now we are not speaking."
"The two drivers had words after one of them took the parking space."
2
The lines an actor speaks, or the lyrics of a song.
"She forgot her words halfway through the play."
"He wrote the words to the song, and she composed the music."
"The choir practised the words until everyone knew every verse by heart."
How to use words
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCan mean a heated argument, or the lines/lyrics someone recites or sings.
Common pairings
have words with someone
the words to a song
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for words
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What does “words” mean?
The word “words” means an angry exchange or argument. In plain terms, can mean a heated argument, or the lines/lyrics someone recites or sings.
How do you pronounce “words”?
“Words” is pronounced wurdz (/wɜɹdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “words” in a sentence?
Here is “words” used in a sentence: “The neighbors had words over the fence line dispute.”
What part of speech is “words”?
“Words” is a noun.
Is “words” a common word?
“Words” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “words” have?
“Words” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an angry exchange or argument.
What does it mean to 'have words' with someone?
To 'have words' with someone means to have an angry exchange or argument with them — a heated disagreement spoken out loud. It is a mild, slightly understated way of describing a quarrel: 'They had words after the meeting' means they argued, not that they simply chatted.
What is the difference between 'having words' and a conversation?
A conversation is a normal, usually friendly exchange of talk. 'Having words' specifically means a heated or angry one — a confrontation. The phrase signals conflict, not chat. So while every argument uses words, saying two people 'had words' tells you the mood was tense and cross.
Is 'words' in this sense formal or informal?
It is informal and idiomatic. 'Having words' with someone is a conversational, everyday expression, common in speech rather than formal writing. It also softens the description slightly — a gentler way to mention an argument than saying two people had a blazing row or a full-blown fight.
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