Definitions

1. noun

a small piece of metal with a blade and a bow for turning a lock, typically with a handle.

“She turned the key in the lock to open the door.”

2. noun

a person or thing that has a particular quality or function.

“The key to her success was her hard work and determination.”

3. noun

a secret word or phrase that is known only to a few people and is used for communication or access.

“They used a secret key to access the encrypted data.”

4. noun

a person who has the main role in a play, film, or musical, or a person who is the most important person in a particular field or activity.

“She was the key to the team’s victory, scoring the winning goal.”

5. verb

to provide the essential part or clue of something.

“The detective’s new evidence helped to key the case.”

6. verb

to play a musical instrument, especially the piano, with the fingers.

“She keyed the melody on the piano.”

7. verb

to decorate or embellish with a pattern or design, typically in a decorative or artistic way.

“The artist keyed the wallpaper with intricate patterns.”

8. verb

to press a button or key on a computer or other electronic device in order to activate a function or operation.

“She keyed the command on her laptop to send the email.”