keyhole

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noun key·hole \ˈkē-ˌhōl\

Definition of keyhole

1 : a hole for receiving a key
2 : key 10

See keyhole defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of keyhole from the Web

The keyhole itself is hidden behind the leg of the soldier, and a large ornate key is used to lock and unlock the main deadbolt.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "This Amazing 17th Century Lock Has a Few Clever Mechanical Tricks", 6 June 2017
The Williams fit makes sense because Philip Rivers can and will throw into keyholes, giving only Williams a good shot at the ball.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "You knew this could happen — Bolts less doltish now", 12 May 2017
The British model and actress, 24, opted for a strapless black Saint Laurent minidress featuring a keyhole cutout and silver embellishment on the bodice.

— jen juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Twinning! Amber Rose and Cara Delevingne Show Off Matching Blonde Buzz Cuts at MTV Movie & TV Awards", 8 May 2017
The country stars both showed up to the 2017 Grammy Awards twinning in red sheath gowns with thigh-high slits and keyhole cutouts.

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "Carrie Underwood & Faith Hill Stunned In Red at the 2017 Grammys", 13 Feb. 2017
A few years later, during the addition of a major new wing to the house, my father added a second secret cellar here, replacing the bricks with a faux-brick door; the keyhole was concealed behind a dustpan hanging from a peg.

— john seabrook, The New Yorker, "Behind the Cellar Door", 23 Jan. 2017

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

keyhole

adjective key·hole

Definition of keyhole

1 : revealingly intimate a keyhole report
2 : intent on revealing intimate details keyhole columnists

First Known Use of keyhole

1851

KEYHOLE Defined for English Language Learners

keyhole

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noun

Definition of keyhole for English Language Learners

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

KEYHOLE Defined for Kids

keyhole

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noun key·hole \ˈkē-ˌhōl\

Definition of keyhole for Students

: a hole for receiving a key

Medical Dictionary

keyhole

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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 keyhole surgery for gall bladder removal
2: being a small incision made in keyhole surgery