keyhole

noun key·hole \ ˈkē-ˌhōl \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Definition of keyhole

1 : a hole for receiving a key

2 : key 10

See keyhole defined for English-language learners

See keyhole defined for kids

Recent Examples of keyhole from the Web

Quietly, Littlefield bent down and placed his eye at the keyhole.

— paul collins, BostonGlobe.com, "What lies in the lab: The gruesome murder at Harvard that transfixed New England," 11 July 2018
The Dipsea splits the difference with a classic keyhole nose shape and a tortoiseshell frame, while the amber lenses are pure performance: certified UVA/B polarized protection.

— ben fox, Outside Online, "6 Style Upgrades From Huckberry's Summer Catalog," 19 June 2018
The Dipsea splits the difference with a classic keyhole nose shape and a tortoiseshell frame, while the amber lenses are pure performance: certified UVA/B polarized protection.

— ben fox, Outside Online, "6 Style Upgrades From Huckberry's Summer Catalog," 19 June 2018
Japanese keyhole saws, gouges, a cheese-grater-like rasp called a microplane and, for the final steps, lots and lots of sandpaper.

— bob shallit, sacbee, "How an ‘accidental artist’ became the zen master of wood," 16 June 2018
The top’s crisp collar and slightly monastic shoulder treatment made a prim first impression, while a décolletage-baring keyhole and corset construction lent a sultry element.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Takes Cannes By Storm in Naughty-But-Nice Off-Duty Style," 15 May 2018
Corso Vittorio 246, piperoroma.com View through the keyhole of the Priory of the Knights of Malta.

— lee marshall, WSJ, "How to Spend an Indulgent Day in Rome for $2,000—or $400," 7 Mar. 2018
An operation may begin with a squirt of superglue in a shop’s keyhole, or a bottle of petrol left on a doorstep.

— The Economist, "Trends in extortion payments by companies to Italy’s Mafia," 14 June 2018
The 29-year-old is currently on the treatment table after undergoing keyhole surgery on his knee and is in serious danger of not fully recovering for the tournament in Russia and therefore not even being called up to the 23-man squad as a result.

— SI.com, "Argentina National Team Doctor Fears Sergio Aguero Won't Be Fit for the World Cup," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'keyhole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of keyhole

1504

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

keyhole

adjective

Definition of keyhole

1 : revealingly intimate

a keyhole report

2 : intent on revealing intimate details

keyhole columnists

First Known Use of keyhole

1851

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

KEYHOLE Defined for English Language Learners

keyhole

noun

Definition of keyhole for English Language Learners

: the opening in a lock into which a key is placed

KEYHOLE Defined for Kids

keyhole

noun key·hole \ ˈkē-ˌhōl \

Definition of keyhole for Students

: a hole for receiving a key

Medical Dictionary

keyhole

adjective key·hole \ ˈkē-ˌhōl \

medical Definition of keyhole

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