latchkey

American  

[lach-kee] / ˈlætʃˌki /

noun

plural

latchkeys

1. a key for releasing a latch or springlock, especially on an outer door.

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latchkey British  

/ ˈlætʃˌkiː /

noun

1. a key for an outside door or gate, esp one that lifts a latch

2. 1. a supposed freedom from restrictions

   2. ( as modifier )

      a latchkey existence

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Etymology

Origin of latchkey

First recorded in 1815–25; latch + key ¹

Example Sentences

Since I was a latchkey kid, I needed to find something else to do after school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"Dinosaurs were more like latchkey kids," Holtz said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

I view that album in particular very much within the realm of a child who grows up in a latchkey situation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Most of Perry's upbringing was in Ottawa, Canada, but he said he was a "latchkey kid" because his mother's job "just meant I spent a great deal of time alone".

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2023

He and I are going to help Mom practice every single night, which is why I’m sitting at my desk instead of watching after-school TV, which is a birthright of every latchkey child.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead