Definition of key - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
lockmetal object used to open locks
- She lost her house key.
2.
technologybutton on a keyboard or typewriter
- Press the enter key to continue.
3.
importantcrucial step or requirement
- Communication is the key to success.
4.
guidelist of symbols or abbreviations
- The map's key explains the symbols.
5.
musicscale of musical notes
- The song is in the key of C major.
6.
musiclever on a musical instrument
- He played a wrong note on the piano key.
7.
sportsUS area in front of a basketball hoopUS
- He scored from the key.
8.
cryptographyTECH. piece of information for encoding messagesTECH.
- The encryption key is secure.
9.
- He was caught with a key of cocaine.
10.
geographyRare US small islandRare US
- We visited a beautiful key in Florida.
Adjective
importancevery important or absolutely necessary
- This is a key factor in our decision.
Verb
1.
computersenter information by typing on a keyboard
- She keyed the data into the computer.
2.
musicTECH. adjust the musical pitch ofTECH.
- The musician keyed the instrument to the right pitch.
3.
advertisingTECH. modify an advertisement for a target groupTECH.
- They keyed the ad for younger audiences.
4.
crimevandalize a car by scratching with a key
- Someone keyed his car in the parking lot.
5.
locksTECH. make a lock operable with a matching metal toolTECH.
- He keyed the new lock for the door.
6.
communicationintr. Dated operate a telegraph or radio switchintr. Dated
- The operator keyed the message quickly.
7.
taxonomyTECH. identify an organism using a step-by-step choice guideTECH.
- The plant keyed to a rare species.
Images of key
metal object used to open locks 
button on a keyboard or typewriter 
area in front of a basketball hoop 
small island
Expressions with key
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
enter information using a keyboard
He keyed into the computer all the data from the survey.
important for solving a problem
Innovation is key to solving climate change.
make someone excited or nervous
The loud music keyed up the crowd before the show..
tool for opening cans and bottles
He used a church key to open the soda can.
essential factor for achieving success
Determination is often seen as the key to success.
device used to secure something
The treasure chest was secured with a lock and key.
not in harmony with the musical key
The singer was out of key during the performance.
be essential for achieving something
His support holds the key to our success.
crucial element enabling achievement
Education is a key for success in life.
ready for immediate use or operation
The apartment is key in hand for the new tenants.
target or aim at something specific
The marketing campaign keyed in on young adults.
crucial piece of information or solution
The key to the puzzle was hidden in the first chapter of the book.
symbolic key given to honor someone with city privileges
The mayor gave her the key to the city.
crucial element for achieving success
Her determination was the key to the kingdom in her career.
imprison someone indefinitely without release
The judge wanted to throw away the key.
being sure helps achieve goals
Confidence is key to success in any field.
building relationships is essential for achieving goals
For career growth, connections are key to finding opportunities.
in a way that is subdued or melancholic
The song was performed in a minor key, evoking a sense of sadness.
important information that solves a mystery
The letter was the key to the mystery.
turn off using a key
He keyed off the engine before leaving.
list of correct answers for a test or exercise
The teacher handed out the answer key after the exam.
device used to unlock or start a car
I lost my car key in the parking lot.
plastic card used to unlock doors electronically
She used her card key to enter the hotel room.
key fob that uses electronic signals to lock or unlock a car
She pressed the electronic car key to unlock the doors.
Origin of key
Old English, cæg (key)
Terms with key included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
secure
fasten something so it cannot be opened without a key
technology
key on a computer keyboard
grading key
paper with correct answers
hardware button
key on a keyboard that capitalizes letters
games
traditional or modern game using dice as a key component
information
document with key information about a topic
technology
press the 'Enter' key on a keyboard
key slot
receptacle for a key in a vehicle
hidden key
hidden method for achieving success
achievement
key factor leading to success in a field
keyboard
key on keyboards for inserting spaces
writing skills
give short account of key ideas or facts
mechanical operation
toy that operates by being wound with a key
abr: control key
key on a keyboard used for shortcuts
technology
control key or switch that activates a specific feature or operation
technology
keyboard key used to exit menus
activate
press a button or key
mechanical
turn a key or handle to operate a device
importance
most important or key to something
computer key
short for delete key on a keyboard
business
short description of a company including main activities and key facts
digital interface
graphical interface displaying key information
daily living
perform badly at key aims, mishandle routine duties
summary
provide a brief summary of key points
Examples of key in a sentence
The key to the garage was missing. The space key is the largest on the keyboard. He accidentally hit the wrong key while typing. Understanding the market is key to launching a product. The key to the puzzle was hidden in the first clue. Check the key before reading the chart.
The diagram includes a key for its abbreviations. The pianist played a piece in the key of G. She practiced scales in every key for the exam. Press the middle key to start the melody. One sticky key stopped the organ from playing. The player positioned himself in the key for a shot. Defenders crowded the key to block the play. Without the key, the data remained inaccessible. He lost the key needed to decode the message. The dealer was arrested with a key in his possession. They found a hidden key during the raid. They sailed to a remote key for the weekend. The key was home to diverse wildlife. Communication is a key skill for leaders. Timing was a key element in their success. Please key your password carefully. He keyed the address into the form. She keyed the piano to match the choir's harmony. The technician keyed the synthesizer for the performance. The marketing team keyed the message for local consumers. She keyed the campaign to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Teenagers keyed the sedan outside the cinema. Her truck was keyed overnight. She keyed the lock to match the old key. The locksmith keyed the cabinet for security. He keyed the radio to send an urgent alert. During the drill, she keyed the instructions flawlessly. The specimen keyed to a common genus. Researchers keyed the insect to a specific family.
View all translations of key
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:clé, essentiel, ...
- German:Schlüssel, entscheidend, ...
- Italian:chiave, fondamentale, ...
- Spanish:llave, fundamental, ...
- Portuguese:chave, fundamental, ...
- Chinese:钥匙, 核心, ...
- Japanese:鍵, 重要な, ...
- Arabic:مِفْتاح, رَئيسي, ...
- Hebrew:מַפְתֵּחַ, מַכְרִיעַ, ...
- Russian:ключ, ключевой, ...
- Ukrainian:ключ, ключовий, ...
- Hindi:चाबी, मुख्य, ...
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