noun

keyhole

KEE-hohl

Keyhole (noun) means the opening in a lock where the key is inserted. Example: “She peered through the keyhole to see who was knocking.”

noun

The opening in a lock where the key is inserted.

"She peered through the keyhole to see who was knocking."

A small opening resembling a keyhole in shape, sometimes used to describe a limited or narrow view of something.

"The article gave readers only a keyhole glimpse into the star's private life."

How to use keyhole

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe small hole in a lock for inserting a key, or by extension, a narrow, limited view of something.

Common pairings

peek through the keyhole keyhole surgery

Word forms

keyholed past tense, keyholes plural, keyholes singular

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Fill the gap

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She peered through the _____ to see who was knocking.

Etymology

A compound of "key" and "hole" — literally the hole a key fits into.

Rhymes for keyhole

ole hole vole mole sole pole cole dole role stole whole Poole

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Frequently asked questions

What does “keyhole” mean?

The word “keyhole” means the opening in a lock where the key is inserted. In plain terms, the small hole in a lock for inserting a key, or by extension, a narrow, limited view of something.

How do you pronounce “keyhole”?

“Keyhole” is pronounced KEE-hohl (/ˈkiˌhoʊ̯l/ in IPA).

How do you use “keyhole” in a sentence?

Here is “keyhole” used in a sentence: “She peered through the keyhole to see who was knocking.”

What part of speech is “keyhole”?

“Keyhole” is a noun.

How many meanings does “keyhole” have?

“Keyhole” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the opening in a lock where the key is inserted.