Meaning & use
masters key
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A key that can open several different locks in a set, often used by someone in charge.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a masters key' or 'two masters keys'.
Patterns
- a masters key to something
- use a masters key
The janitor used a masters key to open every classroom door.
Only the manager has a masters key for the storage rooms.
She lost her masters key and could not get into the office.
nouncountablecomputing
In computing, a password or code that gives access to many parts of a system.
Grammar: Countable, often used in technical contexts.
Patterns
- a masters key for something
- generate a masters key
The administrator created a masters key to reset all user accounts.
Keep the masters key secret; it can unlock the whole network.
He entered the masters key to bypass the security check.
Word forms
| plural | masters keys |
|---|
Common combinations
- use a masters key
- You need to use a masters key to get into the basement.
- have a masters key
- The head chef has a masters key for all the kitchen doors.
- lose a masters key
- If you lose a masters key, report it immediately.
- a masters key to
- This is a masters key to every room in the hotel.
Synonyms and how they differ
- master key
- The usual term; 'masters key' is a less common variant and may sound old-fashioned or regional.
- passkey
- A key that opens many locks, often used in hotels or secure areas; similar but less specific than masters key.
Commonly confused: masters key or master key?
masters key vs master key
Master key is the standard spelling and is much more common; masters key is a variant that some people use but is not the usual form.
Practice
The building manager keeps a ______ key to open all the offices.
Choose one answer.
The fixed term is 'masters key' (or more commonly 'master key'), so 'masters' is correct. 'Master's' shows possession and would mean a key belonging to a master, which is not the intended meaning here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “masters key”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.