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
1
The opening in a lock where the key is inserted.
"She peered through the keyhole to see who was knocking."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- keyholes
- Third person singular
- keyholes
- Past tense
- keyholed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
See all rhymes for keyhole →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.
