key

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈkē

: a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned

: any of various devices having the form or function of such a key

a key for winding a clock

: a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control

: an instrumental or deciding factor

the key to her success

: something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution

the key to a riddle

: a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations

a pronunciation key in a dictionary

: an aid to interpretation or identification : clue

a key to understanding their motivation

: an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification

: a map legend

: a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard

also : a representation of such a key (such as a space delineated on a touch screen)

Tiny keys on your iPhone's screen can be difficult to hit accurately.

Cherlynn Low

: one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones

: a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument

: a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic

the key of G major

: characteristic style or tone

: the tone or pitch of a voice

: the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness

: a decoration or charm resembling a key

: a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit

a telegraph key

: the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages

an encryption key

: a free-throw area in basketball : free throw lane

a jump shot from the top of the key

a(1)

: cotter pin

(2)

: cotter

: a keystone in an arch

: a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts

: samara

keyed

ˈkēd

adjective

keyless

ˈkē-ləs

adjective

key

2 of 5

adjective

: extremely or crucially important

key issues

a key moment in the game

a key member of the staff

key

3 of 5

verb

keyed; keying; keys

transitive verb

: to lock or secure with or as if with a key : fasten: such as

: to secure (something, as a pulley on a shaft) by a key

: to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone

: to regulate the musical pitch of

key the strings

: to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune

remarks keyed to a situation

: to identify (a biological specimen) by a key (see key entry 1 sense 3d)

: to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references

instructions keyed to accompanying drawings

John Gartner

: to make nervous, tense, or excited

—usually used with up

was too keyed up to sleep

: to enter or input (text or data) by using a keyboard

keying changes to a manuscript

—often used with in or into

key in a passwordinformation being keyed into a database

: to be essential to : play the most important part in

defense keyed the victory

: to vandalize by scratching with a key

someone keyed my car door

intransitive verb

: to use a key

: to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play

—usually used with on

The middle linebacker was keying on the halfback.

: to operate a machine by means of a keyboard : keyboard

key

4 of 5

noun (2)

: a low island or reef

specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida

the Florida Keys

key

5 of 5

noun (3)

slang

: a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin

Kids Definition

key 1 of 4

noun

ˈkē

: an instrument by which the bolt of a lock (as on a door) is turned or by which an engine is started

: a device having the form or function of a key

Can you wind the clock with the key?

: the thing that is necessary or most important in doing something

To learn a skill, practice is the key.

: something (as a map legend) that gives an explanation : solution

: one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed with a finger to activate a mechanism of a machine or instrument

computer keys

: a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named the key of C

key

2 of 4

verb

keyed; keying

: to regulate the musical pitch of

: to bring into harmony

: to record or enter by operating the keys of a machine The cashier keyed in the price.

key

3 of 4

adjective

: of great importance : most important

She is one of our key players.

key

4 of 4

noun

: a low island or reef

the Florida Keys

key 1 of 3

adjective

as in main

coming before all others in importance maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

main
primary
greatest
predominant
highest
dominant
foremost
big
first
leading
central
principal
chief
paramount
supreme
great
overriding
cardinal
master
major
capital
prior
important
premier
preeminent
top
primal
sovereign
number one
arch
outstanding
distinguished
notable
grand
overbearing
signal
noteworthy
numero uno
senior
prestigious
eminent
influential
overmastering
No. 1
significant
stellar
sovran
star
illustrious
momentous
superior
high-level
mighty
matchless
famous
noble
incomparable
unparalleled
renowned
celebrated
unequaled
unsurpassed
famed
unequalled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

last
least
minor
unimportant
trivial
secondary
insignificant
negligible
slight
subordinate
inconsequential
collateral
inconsiderable
trifling
inferior
subsidiary

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

crucial
critical
vital
pivotal
essential
fundamental
basic
necessary
decisive
indispensable
instrumental
pressing
elementary
requisite
life-or-death
urgent
life-and-death
weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

minor
unimportant
trivial
insignificant
inconsequential

key

2 of 3

noun

as in table

an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key

Synonyms & Similar Words

table
scale
guide
caption
legend

as in gateway

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

gateway
ticket
secret
passport
approach
method
means
way
success
password
strategy
open sesame
technique
blueprint
system
achievement
program
plan
style
triumph
accomplishment
attainment
coup
design
scheme
manner
ground plan

as in door

the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

door
access
entry
entrance
gateway
accession
doorway
admission
passport
ticket
admittance
entrée
entree
qualification
certification
approval
permission
authorization
ingress
open door
welcome mat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

removal
rejection
dismissal
discharge
ejection
expulsion
ouster

key

3 of 3

verb

as in to reconcile

to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences her response was perfectly keyed to the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

reconcile
coordinate
balance
align
attune
match
integrate
combine
correlate
harmonize
adapt
suit
pair
tune
connect
conciliate
accommodate
merge
conform
blend
even
proportion
synchronize
square
unify
array
unite
dovetail
order
fit
fuse
orchestrate
synthesize
standardize
equalize
regularize
arrange
join
aline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

confuse
disrupt
upset
disturb
skew
disarray
alienate
disharmonize
disorganize
disorder
estrange

单词	key
释义	key 1 of 5 noun (1) ˈkē 1 a : a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned b : any of various devices having the form or function of such a key a key for winding a clock 2 a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control b : an instrumental or deciding factor the key to her success 3 a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution the key to a riddle b : a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations a pronunciation key in a dictionary c : an aid to interpretation or identification : clue a key to understanding their motivation d : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e : a map legend 4 a : a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard also : a representation of such a key (such as a space delineated on a touch screen) Tiny keys on your iPhone's screen can be difficult to hit accurately. Cherlynn Low b : one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones c : a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument 5 : a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic the key of G major 6 a : characteristic style or tone b : the tone or pitch of a voice c : the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness 7 : a decoration or charm resembling a key 8 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit a telegraph key 9 : the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages an encryption key 10 : a free-throw area in basketball : free throw lane a jump shot from the top of the key 11 a(1) : cotter pin (2) : cotter b : a keystone in an arch c : a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts 12 : samara keyed ˈkēd adjective keyless ˈkē-ləs adjective key 2 of 5 adjective : extremely or crucially important key issues a key moment in the game a key member of the staff key 3 of 5 verb keyed; keying; keys transitive verb 1 : to lock or secure with or as if with a key : fasten: such as a : to secure (something, as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone 2 : to regulate the musical pitch of key the strings 3 : to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune remarks keyed to a situation 4 : to identify (a biological specimen) by a key (see key entry 1 sense 3d) 5 : to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references instructions keyed to accompanying drawings John Gartner 6 : to make nervous, tense, or excited —usually used with up was too keyed up to sleep 7 : to enter or input (text or data) by using a keyboard keying changes to a manuscript —often used with in or into key in a passwordinformation being keyed into a database 8 : to be essential to : play the most important part in defense keyed the victory 9 : to vandalize by scratching with a key someone keyed my car door intransitive verb 1 : to use a key 2 : to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play —usually used with on The middle linebacker was keying on the halfback. 3 : to operate a machine by means of a keyboard : keyboard key 4 of 5 noun (2) : a low island or reef specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida the Florida Keys key 5 of 5 noun (3) slang : a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin Synonyms Noun (1) legend Adjective arch big capital cardinal central chief dominant first foremost grand great greatest highest leading main master number one No. 1 numero uno overbearing overmastering overriding paramount predominant preeminent premier primal primary principal prior sovereign sovran supreme Verb accommodate attune conciliate conform coordinate harmonize reconcile See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Adjective He's a key player in the organization. The key question is “Can we afford it?”. Underline key words and phrases as you read. Their votes were key in getting the bill passed. Verb The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist. her response was perfectly keyed to the situation See More Word History Etymology Noun (1), Adjective, and Verb Middle English, from Old English cǣg; akin to Old Frisian kēi key Noun (2) Spanish cayo, from Taino Noun (3) by shortening & alteration from kilo First Known Use Noun (1) before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Adjective 1832, in the meaning defined above Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun (2) 1693, in the meaning defined above Noun (3) 1966, in the meaning defined above Phrases Containing key Allen key chroma-key Alt key church key escape key delete key hot key key deer key chain key club key light key lime key ring key signature key word low-key off-key pound key public-key shift key tab key under lock and key key lime pie key grip master key skeleton key control key dichotomous key function key key to key fob See More Allen key chroma-key Alt key church key escape key delete key hot key key deer key chain key club key light key lime key ring key signature key word low-key off-key pound key public-key shift key tab key under lock and key key lime pie key grip master key skeleton key control key dichotomous key function key key to key fob See More Kids Definition key 1 of 4 noun ˈkē 1 : an instrument by which the bolt of a lock (as on a door) is turned or by which an engine is started 2 : a device having the form or function of a key Can you wind the clock with the key? 3 : the thing that is necessary or most important in doing something To learn a skill, practice is the key. 4 : something (as a map legend) that gives an explanation : solution 5 : one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed with a finger to activate a mechanism of a machine or instrument computer keys 6 : a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named the key of C key 2 of 4 verb keyed; keying 1 : to regulate the musical pitch of 2 : to bring into harmony 3 : to record or enter by operating the keys of a machine The cashier keyed in the price. key 3 of 4 adjective : of great importance : most important She is one of our key players. key 4 of 4 noun : a low island or reef the Florida Keys Legal Definition key adjective : of vital importance (as in a business organization) especially so as to be specially insured to the benefit of an employer key man key employee insurance Biographical Definition Key 1 of 2 biographical name (1) ˈkē Francis Scott 1779–1843 American lawyer and author of "The Star-Spangled Banner" Key 2 of 2 biographical name (2) John (Phillip) 1961– prime minister of New Zealand (2008–16) key 1 of 3 adjective 1 as in main coming before all others in importance maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance main primary greatest predominant highest dominant foremost big first leading central principal chief paramount supreme great overriding cardinal master major capital prior important premier preeminent top primal sovereign number one arch outstanding distinguished notable grand overbearing signal noteworthy numero uno senior prestigious eminent influential overmastering No. 1 significant stellar sovran star illustrious momentous superior high-level mighty matchless famous noble incomparable unparalleled renowned celebrated unequaled unsurpassed famed unequalled Antonyms & Near Antonyms last least minor unimportant trivial secondary insignificant negligible slight subordinate inconsequential collateral inconsiderable trifling inferior subsidiary See More 2 as in crucial of the greatest possible importance first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening Synonyms & Similar Words crucial critical vital pivotal essential fundamental basic necessary decisive indispensable instrumental pressing elementary requisite life-or-death urgent life-and-death weighty Antonyms & Near Antonyms minor unimportant trivial insignificant inconsequential key 2 of 3 noun 1 as in table an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key Synonyms & Similar Words table scale guide caption legend 2 as in gateway something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success Synonyms & Similar Words gateway ticket secret passport approach method means way success password strategy open sesame technique blueprint system achievement program plan style triumph accomplishment attainment coup design scheme manner ground plan 3 as in door the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart Synonyms & Similar Words door access entry entrance gateway accession doorway admission passport ticket admittance entrée entree qualification certification approval permission authorization ingress open door welcome mat Antonyms & Near Antonyms removal rejection dismissal discharge ejection expulsion ouster See More key 3 of 3 verb as in to reconcile to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences her response was perfectly keyed to the situation Synonyms & Similar Words reconcile coordinate balance align attune match integrate combine correlate harmonize adapt suit pair tune connect conciliate accommodate merge conform blend even proportion synchronize square unify array unite dovetail order fit fuse orchestrate synthesize standardize equalize regularize arrange join aline Antonyms & Near Antonyms confuse disrupt upset disturb skew disarray alienate disharmonize disorganize disorder estrange See More
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key

noun (1)

adjective

verb

noun (2)

noun (3)

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing key

Kids Definition

noun

verb

adjective

noun

Legal Definition

adjective

Biographical Definition

biographical name (1)

biographical name (2)

adjective

noun

verb