Using awk on the Command Line to Parse Files

I needed to format a file that contained a list of words with their accompanying definitions.  I didn't need the definitions and wanted to put an 'item' tag around each word.  awk to the rescue!

The Command:

awk '{print ""$1""}' < words.xml

I have this stored in the words.xml file:

BAD something bad

BAG to put into a bag

BAH intj. expressing disgust

BAL type of shoe (balmoral)

BAM to strike with a dull sound

BAN to prohibit/Rumanian coin

After running the command, I get:

<item>BAD</item>

<item>BAG</item>

<item>BAH</item>

<item>BAL</item>

<item>BAM</item>

<item>BAN</item>

Thanks awk!