Document Editing Problems

How to Link a Word to Its Definition in the Same Word Document

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to link a specific word or an asterisk to its corresponding definition located elsewhere within the same Microsoft Word document.

Place in This Document bookmark hyperlink for internal Word jumps

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Structuring a document to provide quick references or explanations for specific terms without disrupting the reading flow.
Observed behavior: The goal is to provide readers with an actionable link or note to jump directly to a term's explanation without leaving the current document.

Before you start

Before starting, ensure that the definition text has already been typed out in the location where you want the link to jump, or decide whether you prefer to use standard bottom-of-the-page footnotes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Bookmark and Internal Hyperlink

This method is best when you have a dedicated glossary or definition section elsewhere in the same document.

By placing a bookmark at the exact location of your definition, you can turn any word in your document into a clickable link that jumps directly to that bookmark.

Insert a Bookmark at the Definition

Scroll to the location of the definition in your document and highlight the text. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click 'Bookmark', type a descriptive name for the bookmark (without spaces), and click 'Add'.

Select the Target Word

Navigate back to the main text where the word or asterisk you want to link is located, and highlight it.

Insert the Hyperlink

Go to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Link' or 'Hyperlink'. In the dialog box, select 'Place in This Document' from the left sidebar.

Link to the Bookmark

Find the bookmark you just created under the 'Bookmarks' section, select it, and click 'OK'. Your word is now linked to the definition.

Quick Navigation: Users reading the document on a computer can now hold 'Ctrl' and click the linked word to jump instantly to the definition.

Solution 2

Insert a Footnote or Endnote

Use this method if you want the definition to appear at the bottom of the page or the end of the document, which is standard for academic and professional writing.

Free Office Software

Easily Link Definitions and Formats in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and highly efficient way to manage long documents. Whether you need to add bookmarks, internal hyperlinks, or professional footnotes, WPS Writer handles it seamlessly.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your text document.
2. Add a Bookmark: Highlight your definition, go to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Bookmark', give it a name, and click 'Add'.
3. Create the Internal Link: Highlight the word you want to link from, press 'Ctrl + K' (or click 'Hyperlink' in the Insert tab), select 'Place in this Document', and choose your bookmark.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats like .docx and .docEffortlessly insert bookmarks and internal hyperlinks for definitionsRobust referencing tools for footnotes and endnotesFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a word to a heading instead of creating a bookmark?

Yes. If your definition is organized under a specific heading style (like Heading 1 or Heading 2), you do not need to create a bookmark. Simply open the Hyperlink dialog box, select 'Place in This Document', and choose the appropriate heading from the list.

How do I remove a hyperlink from a word without deleting the text?

Right-click the linked word or asterisk and select 'Remove Hyperlink' from the context menu. The text will remain intact, but the clickable link will be removed.

Should I use a footnote or a hyperlink for document definitions?

It depends on the document's purpose. Footnotes are generally preferred for academic, legal, or printed documents where readers expect explanations at the bottom of the page. Hyperlinks are ideal for digital-only documents, wikis, or internal company guides where users prefer clicking to navigate.

How can readers return to their original spot after clicking a hyperlink to a definition?

You can provide a 'Back' button by inserting a bookmark at the original text and adding a hyperlink at the end of the definition pointing back to it. Alternatively, users can press 'Alt + Left Arrow' in Word to go back to their previous cursor location.

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