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- Dictionarykey/kiː/
noun
- 1. a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it: "there were two keys to the cupboard"
- 2. each of several buttons on a panel for operating a computer, typewriter, or telephone: "press the ENTER key"
adjective
- 1. of crucial importance: "she became a key figure in the suffragette movement"
verb
- 1. enter or operate on (data) by means of a computer keyboard or telephone keypad: "not everyone can key data quickly and accurately"
- 2. fasten (something) in position with a pin, wedge, or bolt: "the coils may be keyed into the slots by fibre wedges"
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: a usually metal instrument that is used to open a lock or to start or access a mechanism. my house/car keys. turned the key in the lock/ignition. … a metallic rattle, like keys being jangled. Derwent May. b. : something that resembles a key in form or function. a key for winding a clock.
KEY definition: 1. a piece of metal that has been cut into a special shape and is used for opening or closing a…. Learn more.
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.
a pin, bolt, wedge, or other piece inserted in a hole or space to lock or hold parts of a mechanism or structure together; a cotter. a small piece of steel fitting into matching slots of a hub of a wheel or the like and the shaft on which the wheel is mounted so that torque is transmitted from one to the other.
1. a. A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock. b. A similar implement or an electronic device used for opening, winding, or starting something: the key of a wind-up alarm clock; the new car's electronic key. c. A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.
A key is a piece of metal that fits inside a lock and turns to open it. You might have a key ring with a house key, a car key, and maybe several more keys.
Definition of key noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.