Standard Lemma guide

keyway

noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˈkiˌweɪ/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A slot into which a precision attachment (a key) is fitted.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: dentistry, medicine, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The whole deep way the key has to go, the hollow or cavity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A guide groove.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

The recessed part of a keyed joint, in which the key resides.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: engineering, mechanical, mechanical-engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: keyseat, groove

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: keyseat, groove

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

The groove within a modern lock that the key slides into; any lock's keyhole.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From key + way.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: osca — the hollow for receiving the key
  • Finnish: avaimenreikä — the hollow for receiving the key
  • German: Schlüsselbartaufnahme — the hollow for receiving the key
  • German: Aussparung — the hollow for receiving the key
  • German: Schlüsselsitz — the hollow for receiving the key
  • Finnish: ohjausura — a guide groove
  • German: Schlitz — a guide groove
  • German: Nut — a guide groove
  • German: Führungsrille — a guide groove
  • Catalan: osca — the keyseat, a part of a keyed joint
  • Finnish: kiilaura — the keyseat, a part of a keyed joint
  • German: Nut — the keyseat, a part of a keyed joint
  • German: Passfedernut — the keyseat, a part of a keyed joint