# keyboard

/ˈkiˌbɔɹd/ (US) · /kˈiːbɔːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keyboard
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. computing device

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- He spilled coffee on his keyboard and some of the letters stopped working.
- The ergonomic keyboard was designed to reduce wrist strain for employees who spend several hours a day typing reports.

### 2. musical keys

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The piano has a long keyboard with eighty-eight keys.
- The organist moved his hands quickly across the upper keyboard while his feet managed the bass pedals below.

### 3. electronic instrument

noun · CEFR A2

an electronic musical instrument that looks like a small piano.

For teachers: an electronic musical instrument, often portable, capable of synthesising a wide variety of sounds.

- She plays the keyboard in a local rock band on the weekends.
- The studio was filled with various electronic keyboards and MIDI controllers used for modern pop production.

### 4. to type

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to enter information into a computer using a keyboard.

For teachers: to enter data or text into a computer system via a keyboard interface.

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

## Examples

- I need a new keyboard for my computer.
- The office was quiet except for the constant clicking of a mechanical keyboard.
- While the pianist preferred the weighted action of a grand piano, the composer found the versatility of a digital keyboard essential for layering electronic textures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.