keyboard

[ kee-bawrd ]

noun

1. the row or set of keys on a piano, organ, or the like:

   I was playing piano before my feet could reach the pedals or my fingers could cover a chord on the keyboard.

2. a set of keys, usually arranged in tiers, for operating a typewriter, computer, cash register, or the like, or a digital representation of the same on a touchscreen used to type on a device such as a smartphone or tablet:

   I spilled coffee on my keyboard, and now the return key sticks so my documents are full of extra line breaks.

3. any of various musical instruments played by means of a pianolike keyboard, as a piano, electric piano, or organ:

   You basically need four people to start a rock band—someone on lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard.

verb (used with or without object)

1. Also key in. to enter (data) into a computer by means of a keyboard:

   If you can get changes keyboarded by Monday, we should still be able to make the project deadline.

2. to set (text) in type, using a machine that is operated by a keyboard.

keyboard

/ ˈkiːˌbɔːd /

noun

1. 1. a complete set of keys, usually hand-operated, as on a piano, organ, typewriter, or typesetting machine
   2. ( as modifier )

      a keyboard instrument

2. often plural a musical instrument, esp an electronic one, played by means of a keyboard

verb

1. to set (a text, etc) in type, onto magnetic tape, or into some other medium, by using a keyboard machine

Derived Forms

• ˈkeyˌboarder, noun

Other Words From

• key·board·er key·board·ist noun
• re·key·board verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of keyboard¹

First recorded in 1810–20; key ¹ + board

Example Sentences

“I’m used to imagining what a keyboard part would be, and this and that. Now, they’re all right there.”

From Los Angeles Times

Stipe now enunciated his lyrics, which shaded into social commentary, while the arrangements drew from a palette that included string sections, mandolins and an increasing reliance on Mills’ textured keyboard parts.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m typing this piece on a black plastic keyboard, looking at a screen with a black plastic border.

From Slate

His mother was an avid singer of spirituals and a next-door neighbor, Lucy Jackson, helped Jones learn to tap out boogie-woogie on the keyboard.

From Los Angeles Times

Beppo can communicate with words via a keyboard of icons, but when mission control loses control of the spacecraft, it’s up to Mulaney’s character to tell the chimp the bad news in words he can understand: “Beppo no go home. Beppo go dark. Beppo equals zero forever.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• console
• manual
• piano