26984 words

key

19 definitions • 27 examples
1
a piece of metal that has been cut into a special shape and is used for opening or closing a lock, starting a car engine, etc.:

Examples:

car/door keys
2
any of the set of moving parts that you press with your fingers on a computer keyboard, or musical instrument to produce letters, numbers, symbols, or musical notes
3
a set of musical notes based on one particular note:

Examples:

The song changes key halfway through.
the key of C minor
4
a list of the symbols used in a map or book with explanations of what they mean
5
a list of the answers to the questions in an exercise or test:

Examples:

See the key to test 3 on page 176.
6
a small, low island in tropical regions, made of rock, sand, or coral (= a hard substance formed in the sea by groups of particular types of small animal) :

Examples:

There are a number of different islands, or keys, here.
The resort is located at the tip of the Florida Keys.
7
another word for

Examples:

The key extends from the foul line to the baseline.
8
very important and having a lot of influence on other people or things:

Examples:

She was a key figure in the international art world.
a key factor in tackling the problem
9

Examples:

Someone keyed his Porsche.
10
a piece of metal cut into a special shape to fit into a lock where it can be turned to open something, such as a door, or to start something, such as a car engine:

Examples:

I put the key into the ignition.
11
any of the set of movable parts that you press with your fingers on a computer or other machine to produce letters, numbers, or symbols, or on a musical instrument to produce sound:

Examples:

12
the most important part of achieving something or explaining a situation:

Examples:

Revision is the key to good writing.
13
a set of musical notes based on one particular note:

Examples:

the key of C
14
a list of the symbols used in a map or book with explanations of what they mean:

Examples:

The key is printed at the bottom of the page.
15
any of the set of moving parts that you press with your fingers on a computer, etc. to produce letters, numbers, or symbols:

Examples:

Press any key to continue.
16
a list of the symbols used in a map, chart, or book with explanations of what they mean:

Examples:

For an explanation of these symbols, see key below.
17
the best or only way to achieve something:

Examples:

The key is to prioritize your work, and to keep to your schedule.
Hard work is the key to success.
A focus on training is often the key to unlocking potential.
18
very important and having a lot of influence on people or things:

Examples:

The control of inflation is a key component of the government's economic policy.
a key factor
key to sth Education is key to the country's success.
Getting the budget right is absolutely key.
19
to put information into a computer or a machine using a keyboard, or to spend time doing this work:

Examples:

All the data will then need to be keyed.
She spends most of her time keying.

Navigation