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Meaning & use

keys

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/kiːz/
US/kiːz/

“keys” is a form of “key”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Small metal tools used to open or lock doors, cars and other things with locks.

    Grammar: Plural of key: where are my keys? A single tool is a key.

    Patterns

    • keys to something
    • the keys for something

    I left my keys on the kitchen counter again.

    The landlord handed her the keys to the apartment.

    He searched his coat for the car keys.

  2. nounplural

    The parts of a piano, computer or typewriter that you press with your fingers.

    Grammar: Plural: the keys of a keyboard.

    Patterns

    • the keys on something
    • press the keys

    Dust had gathered between the keys of the old piano.

    She tapped the keys quickly to finish her essay.

    Two keys on his laptop stopped working.

  3. verbtransitive

    Third person singular of key: enters information by typing on a keyboard.

    Grammar: Takes an object, often with 'in': she keys in the number.

    Patterns

    • keys something in
    • keys in something

    She keys in each order as it arrives.

    The clerk keys the details into the database.

    He keys the password in slowly.

Common combinations

car keys
I can't find my car keys anywhere.
house keys
Please don't forget your house keys.
piano keys
The piano keys felt cold under her fingers.
lose your keys
Dad is always afraid he will lose his keys.
hit the keys
The pianist hit the keys with great force.

Synonyms and how they differ

fobs
Fobs refers to small electronic or decorative devices, while keys are the traditional metal tools.
buttons
Buttons are pressed on devices like remotes, and they do not imply a keyboard or lock.
switches
Switches turn something on or off and are not the same as the letters you type on keys.

Word family

key noun
singular form of the word
keyboard noun
a set of keys on a device
keyhole noun
the opening in a lock for a key
keyless adjective
without a key
keying noun
the act of typing in data

Commonly confused: keys or quays? keys or cays?

keys vs quays

Quays are landing places beside water and are pronounced the same way as keys in many accents.

keys vs cays

Cays are small low islands, and the word is also pronounced like keys.

Practice

I locked the door and put the ______ in my pocket.

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