Definition of skeleton key
: a key with a large part of the bit filed away to enable it to open low quality locks as a master key
- Trending Now: More Trending:
- embolization oleaginous pansexual symbiote charlatan
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Recent Examples of skeleton key from the Web
-
Over the years, Crosby has built a complete game, and his collection of skills makes him a skeleton key in skates.
-
As a reference point, the Bible is a skeleton key that unlocks hundreds of years of culture, from Shakespeare to Kehinde Wiley.
-
Another set of items stolen included 11 more items — a 1952 Bel Air High School ring, an ivory elephant pendant, a gold skeleton key pendant and diamond earrings among them — valued at $1,320, according to charging documents.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skeleton key.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of skeleton key
1810
SKELETON KEY Defined for English Language Learners
skeleton key
Definition of skeleton key for English Language Learners
-
: a key that is made to open many different locks
Learn More about skeleton key
-
See words that rhyme with skeleton key Spanish Central: Translation of skeleton key
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up skeleton key? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
