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

Earlier models had shown that Bennu's path included several potential gravitational keyholes that could, in theory, redirect it toward Earth sometime in the 22nd century. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025

The shoes featured the fashion house’s keyhole detail in gold on the upper with a strap across the front of the foot, creating a T-bar silhouette. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 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