a key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used to type capital letters and certain numbers and symbols
shift key in American English
noun
1.
a typewriter key that determines whether characters are printed in upper or lower case and controls the printing of numbers and symbols
2. Computing
a key that performs the same functions as on a typewriter keyboard and also controls other functions, depending on the program
To print a file, depress the shift key and a function key
Word origin
[1900–05]This word is first recorded in the period 1900–05. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: clone, desensitize, elder statesman, hormone, internship