Key Lock Kiː House Car Door Extra Examples

• to put/turn the key in the lock
• he inserted the key in the lock and let himself into the house.
• the car keys
• a set/bunch of keys

key

1. a piece of metal with a special shape used for locking a door, starting a car, etc.
• SEE ALSO Allen key™
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/allen-keytm
• to put/turn the key in the lock
• He inserted the key in the lock and let himself into the house.
• the car keys
• a set/bunch of keys
• the spare key to the front door
• We'll have a duplicate key cut (= made).
• Luckily Dad has keys for my house.
• There's a special key for winding up this clock.

Extra Examples

• He fished a ring of keys out of his pocket.
• I'd accidentally locked the keys in my car.
• She hides a front door key in a flowerpot.
• You need a key to open the garage.
• The sound of keys jangling caught her attention.
• They heard a key turn in the back door lock.
2. a thing that makes you able to understand or achieve something
• SYNONYM secret
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/secret_2
• Persistence is the key if you want to get a job.
• The key to success is preparation.
• First-time voters could hold the key to the election result.
• The driver of the car probably holds the key to solving the crime.
• Language is the key to understanding those around you.
• The key is, how long can the federal government control the inflation rate?
3. any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer, phone or typewriter
• SEE ALSO Alt key
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/alt-key
• Press the return key to enter the information.
• You can use the arrow keys on the keyboard instead.
• He began tapping on the keys of his laptop.

Extra Examples

• F1 is the short-cut key for calling up help.
• Hold down the Alt key while pressing the arrow keys.
• the top row of keys
4. any of the wooden or metal parts that you press to play a piano and some other musical instruments
• His hands flew over the piano keys.
5. a set of related notes, based on a particular note. Pieces of music are usually written mainly using a particular key.
• COMPARE scale
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/scale_2
• a sonata in the key of E flat major
• This piece changes key many times.

Extra Examples

• Can we try it in a lower key?
• The key changes from C major to A minor.
• What key is it in?
6. a set of answers to exercises or problems
• Check your answers in the key at the back of the book.
7. an explanation of the symbols used on a map or plan
• You can find the symbols in the key at the bottom of the page.
8. locked up safely somewhere; in prison
• We keep our valuables under lock and key.
• I will not rest until the murderer is under lock and key.
• Prisoners are kept under lock and key 24 hours a day.

Word Origin

• Old English cǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.