Definition & Meaning of "lexical unit"

What is a "lexical unit"?

A lexical unit is a single item of meaning in a language that can be a word, a phrase, or a compound expression. It is the basic building block of vocabulary, representing a specific concept or idea. For example, the word "dog" is a lexical unit, as is the phrase "kick the bucket", which means "to die". Lexical units can vary in complexity, ranging from simple words to multi-word expressions, and they play a crucial role in language comprehension and production. Understanding lexical units helps in analyzing how meanings are constructed and conveyed in communication.