latchkey

See also: latch-key, latch key, and Latchkey

English

Alternative forms

• latch key, latch-key

Etymology

From latch +‎ key.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈlæt͡ʃˌki/

Noun

latchkey (plural latchkeys)

1. A key, especially to an outside door.

   Synonym: check key

2. Ellipsis of latchkey kid.
3. Ellipsis of latchkey program.
   • 2025, East China School District‎:

     Latchkey is before and after school childcare for children who are in grades K-5.

   • 2025, Challenger Elementary School‎:

     Latchkey is a before and after school, school-aged child care program designed to provide quality care and program activities for children in grades K-5.

   • 2025, Columbus City Schools‎:

     Latchkey is an elementary school-age childcare program that provides care and education for children of working parents. This program is designed to be a link between the home and the school.

   • 2025, Marlington Local Schools‎:

     There is NO Latchkey on days when the schools are closed, including emergency or snow days. There is no Latchkey in the mornings only on DELAYED start days.

Translations

key

Esperanto: klinka ŝlosilo Spanish: llavín (es) m

Adjective

latchkey (not comparable)

1. Equipped with a key; generally in the phrase latchkey kid.

Derived terms

• latchkey child
• latchkey kid
• latchkey program

Verb

latchkey (third-person singular simple present latchkeys, present participle latchkeying, simple past and past participle latchkeyed)

1. (transitive) To open something by means of a latchkey.