Keyhole: meaning, definitions and examples

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keyhole

[ˈkiːhəʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a door

A small opening, often round, with a lock or latch, through which a key can be inserted to lock or unlock a door.

Synonyms

keyway, lock opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
keyhole	Used to describe the hole in a lock where you insert a key. Commonly used in everyday conversation about locks and security. I can't find the keyhole in the dark. Make sure to cover the keyhole when it rains.
lock opening	Refers to the general opening of the lock where the mechanism operates, can be used in both casual and technical conversations. More generic term. The lock opening was too small for that key. You need to line up the key with the lock opening.
keyway	Generally used in more technical or industrial contexts. Refers to the precise slot into which a key fits in machinery or a locking mechanism. The keyway needs to be cleaned for the machine to work properly. He examined the keyway to ensure it was aligned correctly.

Word

Description / Examples

keyhole

Used to describe the hole in a lock where you insert a key. Commonly used in everyday conversation about locks and security.

I can't find the keyhole in the dark.
Make sure to cover the keyhole when it rains.

lock opening

Refers to the general opening of the lock where the mechanism operates, can be used in both casual and technical conversations. More generic term.

The lock opening was too small for that key.
You need to line up the key with the lock opening.

keyway

Generally used in more technical or industrial contexts. Refers to the precise slot into which a key fits in machinery or a locking mechanism.

The keyway needs to be cleaned for the machine to work properly.
He examined the keyway to ensure it was aligned correctly.

Examples of usage

The keyhole was too small for the old rusty key.
She peered through the keyhole to see if anyone was inside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a lock

A hole in a lock in which the bit of a key is inserted to operate the lock.

Synonyms

keyway, lock aperture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
keyhole	Used to refer to the slot or hole into which a key is inserted to unlock something. She peered through the keyhole to see who was outside. He inserted the key into the keyhole and turned it.
keyway	More technical term often used in engineering and mechanical contexts to refer to a slot or groove designed to receive a key. The keyway in the shaft ensures that the gears are properly aligned. The keyway needs to be machined precisely for the component to function correctly.
lock aperture	A formal term, usually used in a detailed description of the part of a lock into which the key is inserted. The locksmith examined the lock aperture to ensure it wasn't damaged. Clean the lock aperture regularly to avoid any jamming issues.

Word

Description / Examples

keyhole

Used to refer to the slot or hole into which a key is inserted to unlock something.

She peered through the keyhole to see who was outside.
He inserted the key into the keyhole and turned it.

keyway

More technical term often used in engineering and mechanical contexts to refer to a slot or groove designed to receive a key.

The keyway in the shaft ensures that the gears are properly aligned.
The keyway needs to be machined precisely for the component to function correctly.

lock aperture

A formal term, usually used in a detailed description of the part of a lock into which the key is inserted.

The locksmith examined the lock aperture to ensure it wasn't damaged.
Clean the lock aperture regularly to avoid any jamming issues.

Examples of usage

The keyhole was clogged with dirt and wouldn't turn.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'keyhole' comes from Middle English, combining 'key' and 'hole', showing its simple function.
The use of the term can be traced back to at least the 14th century, indicating its long-standing presence in architecture.

History

Before modern locks, ancient civilizations used simple wooden doors with keyholes to secure their belongings.
In medieval times, keyholes were often elaborately designed, becoming a part of the artistry of door craftsmanship.

Pop Culture

Keyholes are often used in mystery and thriller genres, symbolizing secrets waiting to be discovered.
The phrase 'peeping through the keyhole' conjures imagery of curiosity and hidden truths in literature and films.

Psychology

Keyholes can represent curiosity and the human desire to know what’s behind closed doors, both literally and metaphorically.
They also serve as a metaphor for opportunity – finding the right key means accessing new experiences.

Architecture

In traditional architecture, keyholes were not just functional but served as decorative elements, enhancing the aesthetic of doors.
Some ancient designs included keyholes positioned to deter forced entry, emphasizing security as a design priority.

Translations

Translations of the word "keyhole" in other languages:

🇵🇹 buraco da fechadura

🇮🇳 चाबी का सुराख

🇩🇪 Schlüsselloch

🇮🇩 lubang kunci

🇺🇦 замкова щілина

🇵🇱 dziurka od klucza

🇯🇵 鍵穴

🇫🇷 trou de la serrure

🇪🇸 ojo de la cerradura

🇹🇷 anahtar deliği

🇰🇷 열쇠 구멍

🇸🇦 ثقب المفتاح

🇨🇿 klíčová dírka

🇸🇰 kľúčová dierka

🇨🇳 钥匙孔

🇸🇮 ključavnica

🇮🇸 lyklahola

🇰🇿 кілт тесігі

🇬🇪 გასაღების ხვრელი

🇦🇿 açar dəliyi

🇲🇽 ojo de la cerradura