function key
noun
: any of a set of keys on a computer keyboard that have or can be programmed to have special functions
Examples of function key in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is also a full row of function keys that double as multimedia controls.
—
Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That also means the XPS line will be without a row of traditional function keys.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
The new panic mode can be activated using the F12 button on a keyboard, so all you 60 percent keyboard lovers will need to bind the one function key nobody (apart from developers) uses right now.
—Tom Warren, The Verge, 14 Dec. 2023
Replacing the Touch Bar with regular function keys again!
—Victoria Song, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2023
There’s a full QWERTY layout as well a row of function keys across the top to adjust the volume, control media playback and more.
—Nick Guy, wsj.com, 25 Sep. 2023
The media keys can also double up as regular function keys.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 7 May 2023
The only real drawback to the camera is the lack of a physical shutter, though there is a function key to turn it off.
—Michael J. Miller, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2023
The keyboard is fully mapped for use with a Mac out of the box and pressing a second function key provides access to Function and Media keys.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 May 2022
Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That also means the XPS line will be without a row of traditional function keys.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
The new panic mode can be activated using the F12 button on a keyboard, so all you 60 percent keyboard lovers will need to bind the one function key nobody (apart from developers) uses right now.
—Tom Warren, The Verge, 14 Dec. 2023
Replacing the Touch Bar with regular function keys again!
—Victoria Song, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2023
There’s a full QWERTY layout as well a row of function keys across the top to adjust the volume, control media playback and more.
—Nick Guy, wsj.com, 25 Sep. 2023
The media keys can also double up as regular function keys.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 7 May 2023
The only real drawback to the camera is the lack of a physical shutter, though there is a function key to turn it off.
—Michael J. Miller, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2023
The keyboard is fully mapped for use with a Mac out of the box and pressing a second function key provides access to Function and Media keys.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 May 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'function key.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1964, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near function key
Cite this Entry
“Function key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/function%20key. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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