catchword Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a favorite saying of a sect or political group
    motto; slogan; shibboleth.
  2. noun a word printed at the top of the page of a dictionary or other reference book to indicate the first or last item on that page
    guideword; guide word.

WordNet

Catch"word` noun
Definitions
  1. Among theatrical performers, the last word of the preceding speaker, which reminds one that he is to speak next; cue.
  2. (Print.) 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.
  3. A word or phrase caught up and repeated for effect; as, the catchword of a political party, etc.

Webster 1913