KEYの定義と意味 - メリアム・ウェブスター

KEY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Est. 1828 Dictionary Definition noun (1) adjective verb noun (2) noun (3) noun 5 noun (1) adjective verb noun (2) noun (3) Synonyms Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entries Near Cite this Entry Citation Kids Definition Kids Legal Definition Legal Biographical Name Biographical More from M-W Show more Show more Citation Kids Legal Biographical More from M-W Save Word To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In key 1 of 5 noun (1) ˈkē plural keys Synonyms of key Simple Definition A Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster. 1 a : a usually metal instrument that is used to open a lock or to start or access a mechanism my house/car keys turned the key in the lock/ignition … a metallic rattle, like keys being jangled. — Derwent May b : something that resembles a key in form or function a key for winding a clock A computer chip-based ignition key that relies on a wireless connection to your car … — Dustin Hawley By using their smartphone, … guests are able to … download a room key . — Sharon Love see also key card , key fob 2 a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control b : an instrumental or deciding factor the key to her success 3 a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution the key to a riddle b : a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations a pronunciation key in a dictionary c : an aid to interpretation or identification : clue a key to understanding their motivation d : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e : a map legend 4 a : a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard also : a representation of such a key (such as a space delineated on a touch screen) Tiny keys on your iPhone's screen can be difficult to hit accurately. — Cherlynn Low b : one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones c : a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument 5 : a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic the key of G major 6 a : characteristic style or tone b : the tone or pitch of a voice c : the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness 7 : a decoration or charm resembling a key 8 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit a telegraph key 9 : the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages an encryption key 10 : a free-throw area in basketball : free throw lane a jump shot from the top of the key 11 a (1) : cotter pin (2) : cotter b : a keystone in an arch c : a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts 12 : samara keyed ˈkēd adjective keyless ˈkē-ləs adjective key 2 of 5 adjective : extremely or crucially important key issues a key moment in the game a key member of the staff key 3 of 5 verb keyed ; keying ; keys transitive verb 1 : to lock or secure with or as if with a key : fasten : such as a : to secure (something, as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone 2 : to regulate the musical pitch of key the strings 3 : to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune remarks keyed to a situation 4 : to identify (a biological specimen) by a key (see key entry 1 sense 3d ) 5 : to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references … instructions keyed to accompanying drawings … — John Gartner 6 : to make nervous, tense, or excited — usually used with up was too keyed up to sleep 7 : to enter or input (text or data) by using a keyboard keying changes to a manuscript — often used with in or into key in a password information being keyed into a database 8 : to be essential to : play the most important part in defense keyed the victory 9 : to vandalize by scratching with a key someone keyed my car door intransitive verb 1 : to use a key 2 : to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play — usually used with on The middle linebacker was keying on the halfback. 3 : to operate a machine by means of a keyboard : keyboard key 4 of 5 noun (2) : a low island or reef specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida the Florida Keys key 5 of 5 noun (3) slang : a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin Synonyms of key Relevance Noun (1) table scale caption legend Adjective main primary greatest highest predominant dominant foremost big Verb reconcile See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus Examples of key in a Sentence Noun (1) in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key a good education is the key to success he had found the key to her heart Adjective He's a key player in the organization. The key question is “Can we afford it?”. Underline key words and phrases as you read. Their votes were key in getting the bill passed. Verb The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist. her response was perfectly keyed to the situation See More Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback . Noun Case in point, the resort just celebrated its 100th birthday with a complete top-to-bottom renovation of the 54- key hotel and 11 on-site cottages, including a new artist-in-residency program and airy interiors paying homage to the island's basket-weaving and seafaring heritage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler , 3 May 2026 The key is keeping the soil around these plants hydrated before, during, and after transplanting. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart , 3 May 2026 Adjective Ryan Vilade and Jonathan Aranda provided the key hits, Steven Matz worked seven strong innings, and Ian Seymour and Bryan Baker teamed up for the final six outs. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel , 28 Apr. 2026 The twins, who are both committed to Elgin Community College, have been key regulars in the lineup this season for the Storm (13-5, 6-0). — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune , 28 Apr. 2026 Verb The 49ers are clearly poised for a new era of wide receivers, after several playoff runs were keyed by Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. — Cam Inman, Mercury News , 24 Apr. 2026 Sierra Canyon scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a one-run lead, keyed by an RBI double from Brayden Goldstein and a bases loaded walk. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times , 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for key Word History Etymology Noun (1), Adjective, and Verb Middle English, from Old English cǣg ; akin to Old Frisian kēi key Noun (2) Spanish cayo , from Taino Noun (3) by shortening & alteration from kilo First Known Use Noun (1) before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Adjective 1832, in the meaning defined above Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun (2) 1693, in the meaning defined above Noun (3) 1966, in the meaning defined above Time Traveler The first known use of key was before the 12th century See more words from the same century Phrases Containing key Allen key Alt key chroma - key church key Control key Delete key dichotomous key Escape key function key hold the master key hot key key card key chain key club key deer key fob key grip key light key lime key lime pie key ring key signature key to key word low - key master key off - key pound key public - key shift key skeleton key tab key under lock and key See More Rhymes for key be bee bree cree fee flea flee free gee ghee glee he See All Rhymes for key Browse Nearby Words kex key Key See all Nearby Words Cite this Entry Style MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster “Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key. Accessed 4 May. 2026. Copy Citation Kids Definition key 1 of 4 noun ˈkē plural keys 1 a : a small device that is used to open a lock or start an automobile b : a device having the form or function of a key a key for winding a clock 2 : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control 3 a : something that provides an explanation, solution, or means of identifying the key to a riddle b : a series of phrases or statements that describe characteristics by which plants or animals of a particular group differ and are used to aid in identification c : a map legend 4 : one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed by a finger in operating a machine or playing an instrument 5 : a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named the key of C 6 : a characteristic style or tone 7 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit key 2 of 4 verb keyed ; keying 1 : to adjust the musical pitch of 2 : to bring into harmony 3 : to make nervous, tense, or excited — usually used with up all keyed up about the test 4 : to record by operating the keys of a machine key each price into the cash register key 3 of 4 adjective : of great importance the key people in the organization the key question is "Can we afford it?" use key words in an outline key 4 of 4 noun : a low island or reef the Florida Keys Etymology Noun Old English cǣg "key" Noun from Spanish cayo "a low island or reef" Legal Definition key adjective : of vital importance (as in a business organization) especially so as to be specially insured to the benefit of an employer key man key employee insurance Biographical Definition Key 1 of 2 biographical name (1) ˈkē Simple Definition A Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster. Francis Scott 1779