Headword
/ˈhedwɜːrd/
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Dictionary Navigation
In dictionaries, the headword helps you locate words efficiently, similar to using a map. 
Looking up 'acquire,' I found the headword at the top of the page.
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Prominence
Headwords are often bold or italicized to stand out from explanations and examples. 
Every headword was bolded in her vocabulary notebook for easy reference.
Pro Tip 3/3Alphabetical Order
In dictionaries and thesauruses, headwords are listed alphabetically to guide users. 
She quickly browsed through the headwords organized in alphabetical order.