A1noun 1K

Key

🇬🇧 UK /["/kiː/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kiː/"]/

Meaning of Key

a piece of metal with a special shape used for locking a door, starting a car, etc.

In simple words: A small metal thing that you use to open a lock.

Key in a sentence

• I lost the key to my house last night.
• She played the piano as the key changed from C to G.
• Make sure to use the right key to start the car.
• The key to success is hard work and determination.
• He gave me the key to the city as an honor.

How to use Key

Use 'key' when talking about unlocking doors or starting cars. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts unless referring to 'key concepts' or 'key players'.

Grammar pattern

key + object (e.g. 'key the door')

Memory hint

Think of a 'key' as the 'key' to opening doors in life.

Related words

Collocations with Key

• master
• skeleton
• duplicate
• bunch
• ring
• set
• turn
• insert
• put in
• open
• unlock
• lock
• with a/​the key
• key for
• key to
• get a key cut
• have
• hold
• key to
• Alt
• arrow
• backspace
• row
• hit
• hold down
• press
• organ
• piano
• etc.
• caress
• stroke
• touch
• major
• minor
• high
• change
• change
• change
• signature
• in a/​the key
• key of
• a change of key

Synonyms for Key

• secret

Opposites of Key

• lock

Common mistakes with Key

• Confused with 'cue' when talking about hints.
• Using 'key' as a verb incorrectly.
• Forgetting to specify the type of key (e.g. car key, house key).

Frequently asked questions about Key

What does Key mean?

A small metal thing that you use to open a lock.

What is the definition of Key?

a piece of metal with a special shape used for locking a door, starting a car, etc.

How do you use Key in a sentence?

I lost the key to my house last night.

Can you give another example of Key?

She played the piano as the key changed from C to G.

What are synonyms for Key?

Common alternatives include secret.

What is the opposite of Key?

Opposite meanings include lock.

What words go with Key?

It commonly pairs with master, skeleton, duplicate, bunch, ring, set, turn, insert, put in, open, unlock, lock, with a/​the key, key for, key to, get a key cut, have, hold, key to, Alt, arrow, backspace, row, hit, hold down, press, organ, piano, etc., caress, stroke, touch, major, minor, high, change, change, change, signature, in a/​the key, key of, a change of key.

What are common mistakes when using Key?

Confused with 'cue' when talking about hints. Using 'key' as a verb incorrectly. Forgetting to specify the type of key (e.g. car key, house key).

How do you pronounce Key?

US: /["/kiː/"]/, UK: /["/kiː/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Key?

Use 'key' when talking about unlocking doors or starting cars. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts unless referring to 'key concepts' or 'key players'.

What CEFR level is Key?

"Key" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.