Key definition

Key as a noun

1. metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

2. something crucial for explaining

   "the key to development is economic integration"

3. pitch of the voice

   "he spoke in a low key"

4. any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

   Same sense: tonality

5. a kilogram of a narcotic drug

   "they were carrying two keys of heroin"

6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

   Same sense: key fruit, samara

7. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

   Same sense: cay

8. (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court

   "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key"

   Same sense: paint

9. a list of answers to a test

   "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"

10. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

11. a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access

    "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it"

12. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

    Same sense: winder

13. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

    Same sense: keystone, headstone

14. a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

Key as a verb

15. identify as in botany or biology, for example

    Same sense: name, key out, identify, describe, discover, distinguish

16. provide with a key

    "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"

17. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key

    "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"

18. regulate the musical pitch of

19. harmonize with or adjust to

    "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

Key as an adjective

20. serving as an essential component

    Same sense: central, fundamental, cardinal, primal

Synonyms and antonyms

• tonality
• key fruit
• samara
• cay
• paint
• winder
• keystone
• headstone
• name definition
• key out
• identify
• describe
• discover
• distinguish
• central definition
• fundamental
• cardinal
• primal

How to say key

Key has 1 syllable and rhymes with be. Syllable counts and rhymes come from the CMU Pronouncing Dictionary.

Words that rhyme with key

• be
• he
• we
• me
• she
• see
• three
• free
• company
• probably
• de
• sea

KEY in word games

Scrabble

10

Words With Friends

9

Anagrams

0

Is KEY a valid Scrabble word? Yes, it is in the ENABLE list most word games use. Check KEY in the word checker, or unscramble KEY to see the shorter words in its letters.