Definition of 'key'

Word Frequency

key

(kiː )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense keys , present participle keying , past tense, past participle keyed

1. countable noun

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.

They put the key in the door and entered. [+ in]

She reached for her coat and car keys.

Synonyms: opener, door key, latchkey More Synonyms of key

2. countable noun [usually plural]

The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.

3. countable noun [usually plural]

The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.

4. variable noun

In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.

...the key of A minor. [+ of]

Synonyms: tone, sound, pitch, timbre More Synonyms of key

5. countable noun

The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.

You will find a key at the front of the book.

Synonyms: guide, explanation, interpretation, indicator More Synonyms of key

6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.

He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.

Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.

7. countable noun

The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.

The key to success is to be ready from the start. [+ to]

Diet and relaxation are two important keys to good health.

Synonyms: answer, means, secret, solution More Synonyms of key

8. See also master key

9. under lock and key

Phrasal verbs:

See key in

More Synonyms of key

Image of
key

Video: pronunciation of
key

key in British English 1

(kiː )

noun

a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism

any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc

a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways

any of a set of buttons operating a computer, typewriter, telephone, etc

any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound

a. Also called: tonality

any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework

the main tonal centre in an extended composition

a symphony in the key of F major

the tonic of a major or minor scale

d. See tuning key

something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation

the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood

a means of achieving a desired end

the key to happiness

a means of access or control

Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean

10.

a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc

11.

a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music

12. Also called: key move

the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem

13. biology

a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants

14. photography, painting

the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture

key in British English 2

(kiː )

noun

a variant spelling of cay

Word Frequency

Key in British English

(kiː )

noun

John ( Phillip). born 1961, New Zealand politician; prime minister (2008–16)

Word Frequency

Key in American English

(ki )

Francis Scott1779-1843; U.S. lawyer: wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Word Frequency

key in American English 1

(ki )

nounWord forms: plural keys

an instrument, usually of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock and thus locking or unlocking something

any of several instruments or mechanical devices resembling or suggesting this in form or use

; specif.,

a device to turn a bolt, etc.

a skate key, a watch key

a pin, bolt, wedge, cotter, or similar device put into a hole or space to lock or hold parts together

something that completes or holds together the parts of another thing, as the keystone of an arch or a roughened surface forming a secure base for plaster

any of a set of levers, or the disks, buttons, etc. connected to them, pressed down in operating a piano, accordion, clarinet, typewriter, linotype, word processor, etc.

a device for opening or closing an electric circuit

a small metal piece for fastening a wheel, pulley, etc. to a shaft

a key-shaped emblem presented as an honor

the key to the city

something regarded as like a key in opening or closing a way, revealing or concealing, etc.

; specif.,

a place so located as to give access to or control of a region

Vicksburg was the key to the lower Mississippi

a thing that explains or solves something else, as a book of answers, the explanations on a map, the code to a system of pronunciation, etc.

a controlling or essential person or thing

tone of voice; pitch

tone or style of thought or expression

in a cheerful key

relative intensity of feeling

low-key remarks on a volatile subject

the tone of a picture with regard to lightness or darkness or intensity of color

7. US, Basketball

either of the marked or painted areas on the court near each basket, extending from the end line to the top of the circle that surrounds the foul line

8. Biology

an arrangement or listing of the significant characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide for taxonomic identification

9. Botany

key fruit

10. Computing

a field in a record, used to uniquely identify that record

11. Music

a. Obsolete

the keynote of a scale

a system of related notes or tones based on and named after a certain note (keynote, tonic) and forming a given scale; tonality

the main tonality of a composition

adjective

12.

controlling; essential; important

a key position

verb transitiveWord forms: keyed or ˈkeying

13.

to fasten or lock with a key or wedge

14.

to furnish with a key

; specif.,

to put the keystone in (an arch)

to provide with an explanatory key

15.

to regulate the tone or pitch of

16.

to bring into harmony or accord

17.

Idioms:

Word origin

ME keye < OE cæge, akin to OFris kei, kēia, to secure, guard; (sense 7) < keyhole, its former shape

Word Frequency

key in American English 2

(ki )

nounWord forms: plural keys

a reef or low island

Word origin

Sp cayo: sp. infl. by key1 & earlier key (quay)

Word Frequency

key in American English 3

(ki )

noun

Slang

a kilogram (of marijuana or a narcotic drug)

Word origin

< pronun. of 1st syllable of Sp kilogramo, kilogram

Examples of 'key' in a sentence
key

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

That has come against a backdrop of injuries to key players.This time they need to be under lock and key.The identity of the scrum coach is one key appointment that remains unknown.The biggest of these is the casting of inexperienced actors in the key roles.She said that mealtimes were a key factor.The police gave us a crime number but it emerged the burglars gained access by using a front door key. Education is the key to saving a generation of Syrians from despair and permanent disadvantage.The key thing to note is that they really aren't scary to wear.The way this worked in WWI was the telephone was the key instrument in the war.There are also concerns about weak spots in the steel reactor pressure vessel at Flamanville - a key piece of equipment which houses the reactor.

Word lists with
key

terms used in botany

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Question: 1

Score: 0 / 5