A1 noun Neutral #3,561 most common

key

/kiː/

A small piece of metal used for opening or closing a lock on a door, suitcase, or vehicle. In travel, it often refers to a metal object or an electronic card used to access a hotel room.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I can't find the key to my suitcase.

I can't find the key to my suitcase.

2

Please return your room key to the reception desk before leaving.

Please return your room key to the reception desk before leaving.

3

Hey, do you have the car key?

Hey, do you have the car key?

Word Family

Noun
key
Verb
key
Adjective
key
Related
keychain
💡

Memory Tip

A 'key' starts with the letter 'K', which looks like a person standing next to a door waiting to get in.

Quick Quiz

I lost my room ____, so I need to go to the hotel reception.

Correct!

The correct answer is: key

Examples

1

I can't find the key to my suitcase.

everyday

I can't find the key to my suitcase.

2

Please return your room key to the reception desk before leaving.

formal

Please return your room key to the reception desk before leaving.

3

Hey, do you have the car key?

informal

Hey, do you have the car key?

4

The key is the primary instrument used to gain entry to the research facility.

academic

The key is the primary instrument used to gain entry to the research facility.

5

The office manager will issue a spare key for the new branch office.

business

The office manager will issue a spare key for the new branch office.

Word Family

Noun
key
Verb
key
Adjective
key
Related
keychain

Common Collocations

hotel key hotel key
car key car key
spare key spare key
key card key card
door key door key

Common Phrases

under lock and key

under lock and key

key to success

key to success

key card

key card

Often Confused With

key vs keyboard

A keyboard is a set of keys on a computer or piano, while a key is a single object for a lock.

key vs clue

A 'key' can mean a solution, but a 'clue' is a piece of evidence used to solve a mystery.

📝

Usage Notes

When staying at a hotel, even if you receive a plastic card, it is still commonly referred to as a 'key' or 'room key'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'key of the door' instead of the correct preposition 'key to the door'.

💡

Memory Tip

A 'key' starts with the letter 'K', which looks like a person standing next to a door waiting to get in.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'cæg', which referred to a metal piece used to move a bolt.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: keys Used with preposition 'to'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many modern Western countries, physical metal keys are being replaced by digital keys on smartphones or key cards.

Quick Quiz

I lost my room ____, so I need to go to the hotel reception.

Correct!

The correct answer is: key

More Travel words

ship

A1

A large boat used for carrying passengers or goods across deep water like oceans and seas. Ships are much bigger than boats and are designed for long-distance travel.

station

A1

A station is a designated place where trains or buses regularly stop to allow passengers to get on or off. It can also refer to a building or facility used for a specific purpose, such as a police station or a radio station.

passport

A1

A passport is an official government document that identifies you as a citizen of a particular country. It is necessary for traveling to other countries and serves as proof of identity at international borders.

suitcase

A1

A suitcase is a large, rectangular container with a handle and often wheels, used for carrying clothes and personal items while traveling. It is designed to be carried by hand or rolled through airports and stations.

driver

A1

A person who operates a motor vehicle, such as a car, bus, or truck. They are responsible for controlling the vehicle's speed and direction while traveling on the road.

bed

A1

A piece of furniture that you sleep on, typically consisting of a mattress on a frame. In the context of travel, it refers to the sleeping accommodation provided in a hotel or hostel.

check-out

A1

The act of leaving a hotel or similar place after paying the bill and returning the room key. It can also refer to the area in a store where you pay for your items.

floor

A1

The flat bottom surface of a room that people walk on. It also refers to a specific level or story within a building, such as the ground floor or the fifth floor.

towel

A1

A piece of thick absorbent cloth or paper used for drying your body or a surface. It is a common household item and an essential travel accessory for the beach or bathroom.

island

A1

An island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water on all sides. It can be located in an ocean, sea, lake, or river and is smaller than a continent.

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