def start_word(words: list) -> str:
    """Asks the user to input a word

    Args:
        words (list): the list of words available in wordle

    Returns:
        str: the word guess
    """

    word = input("Please input the attempt in wordle> ")

    # protect against guesses that contain more or less than 5 letters
    while len(word) != 5:
        print("Input is not a 5 letter word!")
        word = input("Please input the attempt in wordle> ")

    # protect against guesses that are not in the word list
    while word not in words:
        print("Not in the word list!")
        word = input("Please input the attempt in wordle> ")

    return word