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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of function keys, a USE FRONT key acted like an Option or Command key to access special features. Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 In addition, there is a full row of multimedia keys that can also work as regular function keys. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 The compact layout still keeps dedicated function keys and an OLED screen for quick tweaks on the fly. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025 There are no function keys or cursor cluster, but those functions are all accessible in conjunction with the Fn key. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function key

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of function key was circa 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Function key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/function%20key. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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