As fans eagerly await the release, some are speculating whether the cryptic word will be the album title, and what its nine characters could spell out.
Several clues point towards "Magdalena", after Frida Kahlo's first name. Lorde has spoken before about her love for the influential Mexican artist, and she recently changed her twitter bio to a Kahlo quote: "I hope the exit is joyful, and I hope never to return".
Another nine-letter word that fits is "Minnehaha" - a beach in Takapuna, near Lorde's home suburb of Devonport.
Other words or phrases that fit include macadamia, Macedonia, margarita, Minnesota and Mea Culpa.
Whatever it may be, fans may only have to wait until Friday to find out.
