latchkey
latchkey Lexical Profile
latchkey Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or denoting a school-age child who returns from school to an empty home because their parents are away at work, or describing programs designed for such children.
"The community center launched an after-school latchkey program to provide a safe space for local students."
• noun
A key used to open the outer door of a house or building, specifically one that lifts or releases a spring latch.
"He fumbled in his coat pocket for the brass latchkey as the rain began to pour."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 19th century as a compound of 'latch' and 'key'. The sociological sense referring to unsupervised children emerged during World War II, when many mothers joined the workforce and children wore their house keys around their necks.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.