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

He is filming it on this particular summer day, on which his home is filled not just with two pianos and multiple keyboards, but also lights, cameras and sound equipment.

From Los Angeles Times

A motorik beat, jaunty bass line and melodic wafts of keyboard make the track go down with a disarming ease.

From New York Times

“Using a small camera, the scanning machine takes pictures of the text and does electronically what a typist working a word processor does at a keyboard.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you see an instrument made out of keyboard keys, the story goes that Lari is likely the one who swiped them from Tiana’s computer.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Related Words

• console
• manual
• piano