Random Word API Reference

Overview

Random Word works by retrieving random words from the entire English dictionary and providing them in a structured format. It returns a random word, and its definition and pronunciation.

Endpoint

One host, one path per API. The block below shows this call in four languages; every one of them is the same HTTP request. Making requests covers the timeouts, retries and parameter rules that apply to all of them. The SDKs wrap the same call in a typed client.

GEThttps://api.apiverve.com/v1/randomwords

curl "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/randomwords" \
  -H "x-api-key: your_api_key_here"

const res = await fetch('https://api.apiverve.com/v1/randomwords', {
  headers: { 'x-api-key': 'your_api_key_here' },
});

if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${res.status} ${await res.text()}`);

const { data } = await res.json();
console.log(data);

import requests

res = requests.get(
    "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/randomwords",
    headers={"x-api-key": "your_api_key_here"},
    timeout=15,
)
res.raise_for_status()

print(res.json()["data"])

package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"io"
	"net/http"
)

func main() {
	req, _ := http.NewRequest("GET", "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/randomwords", nil)
	req.Header.Set("x-api-key", "your_api_key_here")

	res, err := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)
	if err != nil {
		panic(err)
	}
	defer res.Body.Close()

	out, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)
	fmt.Println(string(out))
}

Replace your_api_key_here with the key from your dashboard. When the inputs arrive as a list rather than one at a time, batch requests run up to 200 of them through this same API in a single call.

Authentication

Send your key in the x-api-key header. That is the only auth step — there is no token exchange and no per-endpoint scope to configure. Authentication covers creating, rotating and revoking keys.

401 is the only auth verdict

A 401 means the key is missing, invalid or expired. A 403 means the key is valid but not permitted here — blocked by a key restriction or an IP allow-list. Running out of credits is a 429.

Response

Every API returns the same three top-level keys, so one response handler covers your whole integration: status, error and data. Only data changes shape. Response format covers the envelope, the other output formats and how premium fields are withheld.

Sample response

{
  "status": "ok",
  "error": null,
  "data": {
    "word": "persevering",
    "definitions": [
      "Characterized by perseverance; persistent. -- Per`se*ver\"ing*ly, adv."
    ],
    "pronunciation": "P ER0 S AH0 V IH1 R IH0 NG"
  }
}

Response fields

Paths are relative to data. Premium fields are absent rather than zeroed on plans that do not include them, so check for presence instead of comparing to 0.

Field	Type	Example	Description
`word`	string	`"persevering"`	The randomly selected English word from dictionary
`definitions`Premium	array	[Characterized by perseverance; persistent. -- Per`sever"ingly, adv.]	Array of definitions explaining the word's meanings
`pronunciation`Premium	string	`"P ER0 S AH0 V IH1 R IH0 NG"`	Phonetic pronunciation using ARPABET format notation

Errors

Read the HTTP status first, then error for the specific reason. The body names the parameter that has to change. Error handling covers the full status list and which of them are worth retrying.

Status	Meaning	What to do
`400`	Input was rejected	Read `error`; it names the parameter.
`401`	Key missing or invalid	Check the header name and the key value.
`403`	Key valid, but not permitted	A key restriction or IP allow-list; see key scoping.
`429`	Rate limited, or out of credits	Read `error` to tell them apart; see rate limits.

Use cases

Language Learning: Learn new words by using the Random Word API to get random words. Use the data to expand your vocabulary and improve language skills
Creative Writing: Inspire creativity by using the Random Word API to get random words. Use the data to generate writing prompts and spark new ideas
Word Games: Play word games by using the Random Word API to get random words. Use the data to create puzzles, quizzes, and challenges for entertainment
Educational Tools: Develop educational tools by using the Random Word API to get random words. Use the data to create spelling tests, vocabulary exercises, and language quizzes

Other ways to use Random Word

Set up Random Word on APIVerve, or reach the same source a different way. Your APIVerve account and credits work on all of them — one key, one balance.

Give it to an AI agentConnect over MCP and your agent calls it as a native tool — Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT.VerveKit →Reference →

Use it in Google Sheets or ExcelA =VERVE() formula fills a column — no script, no export, recalculates in place.VerveSheets →Reference →

Random Word