keyword

[kee-wurd] /ˈkiˌwɜrd/

noun

a word that serves as a key, as to the meaning of another word, a sentence, passage, or the like.

a word used to encipher or decipher a cryptogram, as a pattern for a transposition procedure or the basis for a complex substitution.

Also called catchword. Library Science. a significant or memorable word or term in the title, abstract, or text of a document or other item being indexed, used as the index entry.

Digital Technology. a word used to classify or organize digital content, or to facilitate an online search for information: Search the database for the keyword “Ireland.”.

Also, key word.

Origin

1855-60; key¹ + word

Examples from the web for keywords

It didn't seem to matter to them that a software algorithm-not a human being-was scanning your messages for keywords.
Then set email filter to bounce all mail with keywords related to the argument.
The government often tries to rein them in during crises by blocking the use of sensitive keywords.
Search engines are pretty good at matching keywords with relevant websites.
Current methods of searching used by more traditional engines focus on isolated keywords and broad but shallow content coverage.
Delicious can create a living, breathing archive of relevant information surrounding important keywords.
Then you select the keywords that will determine which searchers see your ad.
Use simple keywords to describe the subject of your posts.
Not only that: less-qualified candidates can game the system by loading their résumés with the right keywords.
Computers scan resumes and cover letters for certain keywords, and tag candidates with the best fit.

British Dictionary definitions for keywords

keyword

/ˈkiːˌwɜːd/

noun

a word used as a key to a code

any significant word or phrase, esp a word used to describe the contents of a document

Word Origin and History for keywords

keyword

also key-word, 1807, from key (n.1) + word (n.). Originally in reference to codes and ciphers.