keypunch

[ kee-puhnch ]

noun

1. Also key punch. Also called card punch. a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching punch holes in cards or paper tape in specified patterns.

verb (used with object)

1. to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape), using a keypunch.
2. to insert (data) into a computer by means of a keypunch:

   to keypunch code numbers.

Other Words From

• keypuncher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of keypunch¹

First recorded in 1930–35; key ¹ + punch ¹

Example Sentences

At the time, code was handwritten until it was transferred onto a “keypunch card,” which was then fed into a mainframe computer.

From Slate

Keypunch coding has been replaced by cloud computing and javascript.

From Slate

“She didn’t have $300 for an abortionist and couldn‘t afford to lose her job as a keypunch operator.”

From Washington Post

For Suresh Bansal, who for 40 years has managed and taught at Anand Type, Shorthand and Keypunch College, that’s welcome news.

From Seattle Times

The wanted poster for Taylor lists his occupations as dance instructor, trumpet player, keypunch operator and welder, among other things.

From US News