catchword
UK /ˈkat͡ʃwɜːd/ · US /ˈkæt͡ʃwɚd/ noun
Forms catchwords
- noun (printing, historical) A word at the end of a book page that repeats the first word from the following page. (Such words served as aids to the bookbinder (to check rapidly for correct placement of leaves) and were also viewed by some readers as aids to smooth reading.)
- noun A word or expression repeated until it becomes representative of a particular group or time; a slogan or buzzword.
- noun (theater) The last word of a speech, serving as a cue for the next speaker.
- noun A word printed (often in large or bold type) at the head of a page or other section of text, serving to draw a reader's attention or summarise contents, especially in a reference work; a heading.
Synonyms
guideword custos watchword byword motto slogan shibboleth guide word
Etymology
From catch + word.
Webster’s 1913
- noun Among theatrical performers, the last word of the preceding speaker, which reminds one that he is to speak next; cue.
- noun The first word of any page of a book after the first, inserted at the right hand bottom corner of the preceding page for the assistance of the reader. It is seldom used in modern printing.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “catchword”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details