phrase

1. (grammar) A word or, more commonly, a group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, always containing an expressed or implied head (the principal word or subgroup, with core importance) and often consisting of a head plus some other elaborating words.Examples: "Holonyms: clause, sentence; phrasing, phraseology, turn of phrase; phrase-book; document, message; language; communication"; "Meronyms: head, complement, adjunct, supplement, modifier; term, word"; "Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia?"

2. (music) A small section of music in a larger piece.

3. (archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.Examples: "Thou speak'st / In better phrase and matter than thou didst."; "[…] From out a common vein of memory / Sweet household talk, and phrases of the hearth, […]"Synonyms: figure of speech, locutionarchaic

4. (dance) A short individual motion forming part of a choreographed dance.