Full Idea
For a large class of cases - though not for all - the meaning of a word is its use in the language.
Gist of Idea
In the majority of cases the meaning of a word is its use in the language
Source
Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §043)
Book Reference
Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.20
A Reaction
Defended by Paul Horwich, but I don't like this. If "swordfish" is a password, its meaning and its use are miles apart. Meaning connects to reality, but use doesn't.