key

Pronunciation

• enPR: kē
• IPA ^(key): /kiː/
• SAMPA: /ki:/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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Noun

Singular key

Plural keys

1. (countable) A key is a small instrument, usually metal used to open locks.

   I put my key in the lock and turned it.

2. (countable) (computing) A key is a button used for typing.

   Type your name and hit the ENTER key.

3. (countable) A key is the part of a keyboard instrument you press with your fingers to play a sound.

   The piano has a pattern of black and white keys.

4. (music) The key in music is the tonal centre of a piece of music.

   Mozart's Symphony No.40 is written in the key of G minor.

• 
  A key
• 
  Computer keys
• 
  Piano keys

Adjective

Positive key

Comparative more key

Superlative most key

1. Something that is key, is an important or a main thing.

   Accuracy is a key part of playing music.

Verb

Plain form key

Third-person singular keys

Past tense keyed

Past participle keyed

Present participle keying

1. To key is to lock something with key, or like using a key.
2. To key is to put locks on a building.
3. The locksmith was called in to key the building for better security.
4. To key is to enter information into a computer.

   He keyed in all the data from the survey.

Synonyms

• main
• principle
• important

Related words

• keyless
• keyring