keyhole
keyhole Lexical Profile
keyhole Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The hole in a lock into which a key is inserted.
"She squinted through the keyhole to see who was whispering in the hallway."
A narrow opening or restricted viewpoint that offers only a limited perspective.
"The documentary provides a keyhole through which we can observe the daily lives of the reclusive monks."
North American The free-throw lane on a basketball court, especially when combined with the free-throw circle, which resembles the shape of a traditional keyhole.
"The center positioned himself firmly just outside the keyhole to await the rebound."
Word Nuance & Usage
While primarily a noun referring to the opening in a lock, it is frequently used attributively to describe minimally invasive medical procedures (e.g., 'keyhole surgery') or to imply a restricted, secretive viewpoint.
• Rhymes for keyhole
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English: a compound formed from the words 'key' and 'hole'.