English Reference
noun · verb

keyboard

n. · v.
US /ˈkiˌbɔɹd/ UK /kˈiːbɔːd/ key·board UK spelling keyboard's, keyboard's, keyboarded

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Computing

    n.the set of keys you use to type words and numbers into a computer.

    n.a peripheral input device consisting of a layout of keys used to enter data into a computer or typewriter.

    Simple

    He spilled coffee on his keyboard and some of the letters stopped working.

    In context

    The ergonomic keyboard was designed to reduce wrist strain for employees who spend several hours a day typing reports.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Music

    n.the row of black and white keys on a piano or organ.

    n.the set of levers on a musical instrument, such as a piano or harpsichord, which the performer depresses to produce sound.

    Simple

    The piano has a long keyboard with eighty-eight keys.

    In context

    The organist moved his hands quickly across the upper keyboard while his feet managed the bass pedals below.

    claviermanual
  3. 03 A2 Elementary Music

    n.an electronic musical instrument that looks like a small piano.

    n.an electronic musical instrument, often portable, capable of synthesising a wide variety of sounds.

    Simple

    She plays the keyboard in a local rock band on the weekends.

    In context

    The studio was filled with various electronic keyboards and MIDI controllers used for modern pop production.

    synthesiserdigital piano
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    v.to enter information into a computer using a keyboard.

    v.to enter data or text into a computer system via a keyboard interface.

    Simple

    The clerk spent the afternoon keyboarding data from the paper forms.

    In context

    The speed at which she could keyboard complex strings of data was impressive to the rest of the administrative team.

    Usage

    Often used in professional data entry or technical contexts.


From key + board.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated