keyhole

1 of 2

noun

key·​hole ˈkē-ˌhōl 

1

: a hole for receiving a key

2

: key sense 10

keyhole

2 of 2

adjective

1

: revealingly intimate

a keyhole report

2

: intent on revealing intimate details

keyhole columnists

Examples of keyhole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Gihgoew Long-Sleeve T-Shirt More than 3,000 shoppers have recently purchased this long-sleeve T-shirt that features a round neckline with a decorative metal buckle and keyhole cutout. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Handgrips on both sides allow those panels to be lifted off keyhole mounts; the mostly mesh front panel uses snaps to attach. —PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025

Adjective

The look also had a keyhole neckline embellished with Swarovski crystals of varying sizes. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2023

That system represents a keyhole view, and its analysis lags behind events. —Maryn McKenna, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1504, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing keyhole

• keyhole saw

Rhymes for keyhole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

keyhole

noun

key·​hole

ˈkē-ˌhōl

: a hole for receiving a key

Medical Definition

keyhole

adjective

key·​hole ˈkē-ˌhōl 

1

: relating to, used in, or being a minimally invasive operation or surgical procedure (as laparoscopy or arthroscopy) in which one or more small incisions are made to permit passage of instruments (as an endoscope and forceps) into the body

keyhole surgery for gall bladder removal

2

: being a small incision made in keyhole surgery