# keys

/ˈkiz/ (US) · /kˈiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keys
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. for locks

noun · CEFR A1

small metal objects used to open locks or start a car.

For teachers: plural of the physical instrument designed to operate a lock or ignition system.

- I can't find my car keys anywhere in the house.
- The concierge handed over the heavy brass keys to the executive suite, explaining that the electronic system was currently undergoing maintenance.

### 2. on a keyboard

noun · CEFR A2

the buttons you press on a computer, phone, or piano.

For teachers: the individual levers or buttons on a musical instrument or data-entry device.

- The keys on this laptop are very quiet when you type.
- The pianist's fingers flew across the ivory keys, executing the complex concerto with remarkable precision and emotional depth.

### 3. musical scales

noun · CEFR B2

the sets of notes or scales used to play a piece of music.

For teachers: the sets of notes or harmonic systems based on a particular tonic note.

- The singer asked the band to play the song in different keys to find the best one for her voice.
- The symphony transitions through several minor keys before finally resolving into a triumphant C major for the finale.

### 4. islands

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a chain of small, low islands, especially near Florida.

For teachers: a series of low-lying islands or reefs, specifically referring to the Florida Keys.

- We spent our summer holiday driving through the Florida Keys.
- The ecosystem of the Keys is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased hurricane activity in the Caribbean.

### 5. to enter data

verb · CEFR B1

to type information into a computer.

For teachers: the third-person singular present form of 'key', meaning to enter data via a keyboard.

- She keys the customer data into the system every morning.
- The administrator keys the sensitive financial records into the encrypted database to ensure maximum security.

### 6. to scratch a car

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to scratch the paint of a car using a metal key.

For teachers: the third-person singular present form of 'key', meaning to deliberately damage a vehicle's bodywork with a key.

- He was angry and keys his ex-girlfriend's car in the car park.
- The security footage clearly shows the suspect as he keys the side of the luxury sedan before fleeing the scene.

## Examples

- I cannot find my car keys anywhere.
- She fumbled with her keys in the dark before finally finding the one for the front door.
- The landlord handed over the keys to the apartment, marking the official transfer of the property to the new tenants after months of legal negotiations.

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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.