# Wake word

> The word or phrase that makes a voice assistant start listening, like "Okay Nabu".

Source: https://contributors.home-assistant.io/glossary/wake-word/

- In code: `wake_word`
- In the UI: Wake word
- Also: wake words, wake word detection

Detecting the wake word is the first step of an [Assist pipeline](https://contributors.home-assistant.io/glossary/assist-pipeline/). It happens in Home Assistant, with the `wake_word` integration and an engine like openWakeWord, or on the device itself, like with microWakeWord on an ESP32 or an Android phone. Only after the wake word does the rest of the command get processed.

## Related terms

- [Assist pipeline](https://contributors.home-assistant.io/glossary/assist-pipeline/): The steps a voice command goes through: wake word, speech-to-text, the conversation agent, and text-to-speech.
- [Assist satellite](https://contributors.home-assistant.io/glossary/assist-satellite/): A device that listens for voice commands and sends them to Home Assistant, like Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition.
- [Assist](https://contributors.home-assistant.io/glossary/assist/): Home Assistant's voice assistant. It turns what you say or type into actions.