Pronunciation coach
Key
Sounds like
KEE
Tap the speaker to hear the word.
Simple meaning
What does Key mean?
A key can open a lock or mean something important.
Dictionary definition
An object used to open a lock, or something very important to understanding or solving a problem.
Example sentences
Key in a sentence
easy
I used a key to open the door.
medium
The key idea in the lesson was to read the question carefully.
hard
Finding the key detail in a passage can help readers understand the main point.
Synonyms
Words like Key
Antonyms
Opposite words
minorUse as a contrast when key means important.
unimportantUse for something that does not matter much.
Word family
Key word family
Base word
key
noun
keys
Plural form, usually merged into the base entry.
verb
keyed
Entered or set using keys or a keyboard.
verb
keying
Entering or setting using keys or a keyboard.
Related words
Explore related words
Quick practice
Try Key
Practice 1
What can key mean?
Key can name an object for a lock or describe something important.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses key correctly?
A key can be used to open a lock.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of key when key means important?
Unimportant is the opposite of key when key means very important.
Practice this skill
Practice vocabulary in WordHive
Use the dictionary to understand Key, then move into short activities matched to the skills on this page.
Learning paths
- Define the Word Hive for word meanings.
- Synonym Search for word choice.
- Context Clue Challenge for sentence clues.
- Buzz Between for homophones and listening.
- Hive Builder for roots, prefixes, and suffixes.