Definition of key
1a : a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turnedb : any of various devices having the form or function of such a key a key for winding a clock
2a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or controlb : an instrumental or deciding factor the key to her success
3a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution the key to a riddleb : a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations a pronunciation key in a dictionaryc : an aid to interpretation or identification : clue a key to understanding their motivationd : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identificatione : a map legend
4a : a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard; also : a representation of such a key (such as a space delineated on a touch screen) Tiny keys on your iPhone's screen can be difficult to hit accurately. — Cherlynn Lowb : one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tonesc : a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument
5 : a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic the key of G major
6a : characteristic style or toneb : the tone or pitch of a voicec : the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness
7 : a decoration or charm resembling a key
8 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit a telegraph key
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of key
Middle English, from Old English cǣg; akin to Old Frisian kēi key
Other Cartography Terms
key
Definition of key
: extremely or crucially important key issues a key moment in the game a key member of the staff
Examples of key in a Sentence
The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist.
her response was perfectly keyed to the situation
Origin and Etymology of key
see 1key
key
Definition of key
transitive verb
1 : to lock or secure with or as if with a key : fasten: such asa : to secure (something, as a pulley on a shaft) by a keyb : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone
2 : to regulate the musical pitch of key the strings
3 : to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune remarks keyed to a situation
4 : to identify (a biological specimen) by a key (see 1key 3d)
5 : to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references instructions keyed to accompanying drawings — John Gartner
6 : to make nervous, tense, or excited —usually used with up was too keyed up to sleep
7 : to enter or input (text or data) by using a keyboard keying changes to a manuscript —often used with in or into key in a password information being keyed into a database
8 : to be essential to : play the most important part in defense keyed the victory
Examples of key in a Sentence
He's a key player in the organization.
The key question is “Can we afford it?”.
Underline key words and phrases as you read.
Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.
Origin and Etymology of key
see 1key
key
Definition of key
: a low island or reef; specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida the Florida Keys
Origin and Etymology of key
Spanish cayo, from Taino
Other Geology Terms
anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale
key
Definition of key
slang
: a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin
Origin and Etymology of key
by shortening & alteration from kilo
Other Drug/Tobacco Terms
Key
playDefinition of Key
Francis Scott 1779–1843 American lawyer and author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Key
Definition of Key
John (Phillip) 1961– prime minister of New Zealand (2008–16)
KEY Defined for English Language Learners
key
Definition of key for English Language Learners
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: to enter (information) by using the keys of a computer, typewriter, etc.
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: to have the most important part in (something)
key
Definition of key for English Language Learners
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: extremely important
KEY Defined for Kids
Definition of key for Students
1 : an instrument by which the bolt of a lock (as on a door) is turned or by which an engine is started
2 : a device having the form or function of a key Can you wind the clock with the key?
3 : the thing that is necessary or most important in doing something To learn a skill, practice is the key.
4 : something (as a map legend) that gives an explanation : solution
5 : one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed with a finger to activate a mechanism of a machine or instrument computer keys
6 : a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named the key of C
Definition of key for Students
keyed
;keying
1 : to regulate the musical pitch of
2 : to bring into harmony
3 : to record or enter by operating the keys of a machine The cashier keyed in the price.
Definition of key for Students
: of great importance : most important She is one of our key players.
Law Dictionary
key
Legal Definition of key
: of vital importance (as in a business organization) especially so as to be specially insured to the benefit of an employer key man key employee insurance
Learn More about key
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See words that rhyme with key Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for key Spanish Central: Translation of key Nglish: Translation of key for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of key for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key
Seen and Heard
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