1. One of a fixed set of symbols built into the syntax of a language. Typical keyWords would be if, then, else, print, goto, while, switch. There are usually restrictions about reusing keyWords as names for user-defined objects such as variables or procedures. Languages vary as to what is provided as a keyWord and what is a library routine, for example some languages provide keyWords for input/output operations whereas in others these are library routines. 2. A small set of Words designed to convey the subject of a technical article. Some publications specify a fixed set of keyWords from which those for a particular article should be chosen.