catchword: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “catchword” mean?
A word or phrase that is frequently used, especially in a particular context or period, to encapsulate an idea or rally support.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word or phrase that is frequently used, especially in a particular context or period, to encapsulate an idea or rally support; a slogan or motto.
In printing and publishing, a word printed at the top of a page in a dictionary or reference work to indicate the first or last entry on that page.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The publishing/printing sense is more technical and may be slightly more familiar in UK publishing contexts.
Connotations
In political/journalistic contexts, slightly more likely to carry a cynical or dismissive connotation in UK English (implying oversimplification). In US English, may be used more neutrally for a memorable campaign slogan.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in analytical writing, media criticism, and publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “catchword” in a Sentence
CATCHWORD for + NOUN (a catchword for reform)CATCHWORD of + NOUN PHRASE (the catchword of the campaign)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catchword” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The term was quickly catchworded by the opposition.
- Politicians often catchword complex policies into simple slogans.
American English
- The marketing team catchworded the new initiative as 'streamlining'.
- Advocates catchworded the movement to gain broader appeal.
adverb
British English
- The policy was described catchwordly as 'innovative'.
- He spoke catchwordly, relying on fashionable terms.
American English
- The concept was presented catchwordly to the public.
- She argued catchwordly rather than with detailed evidence.
adjective
British English
- The catchword nature of the term diluted its original meaning.
- He gave a catchword response, lacking in substance.
American English
- The campaign's catchword slogan was effective but vague.
- We need solutions, not just catchword proposals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe overused jargon in marketing or management (e.g., 'synergy' became a meaningless catchword).
Academic
Used in media studies, political science, or linguistics to analyze discourse and the rise of fashionable terms.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing politics or media trends.
Technical
In publishing, refers specifically to the guiding word at the top of a page.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catchword”
- Using it as a synonym for 'password' or 'keyword'.
- Confusing it with 'catchphrase', which is more associated with an individual's habitual saying.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. A 'buzzword' is often a technical or jargon term that becomes fashionable, sometimes implying it is poorly understood. A 'catchword' has a broader application, often as a summarizing slogan in political or social contexts, and can be more neutral.
Yes. It can neutrally describe an effective slogan that memorably captures an idea (e.g., a charity's catchword). However, it often carries a slightly cynical tone when implying the term is overused or substitutes for substance.
No, it is a mid to high-level vocabulary word. It is more common in writing that analyzes language, politics, media, or in discussions about publishing.
In printed dictionaries or ledgers, a catchword is a word (often the first or last headword on a page) repeated at the top of the page to guide the reader. This usage is now largely historical but is understood in publishing.
A word or phrase that is frequently used, especially in a particular context or period, to encapsulate an idea or rally support.
Catchword is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Catchword: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃwɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃwɜːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the catchword of the moment”
- “more than just a catchword”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a journalist trying to CATCH the essence of a complex news story in one compelling WORD. That's a catchword.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORDS ARE TOOLS FOR CATCHING ATTENTION / IDEAS ARE PACKAGES ENCAPSULATED IN WORDS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field does 'catchword' have a specific, non-figurative technical meaning?