key in
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
Type something into a machine, like a code or number.
Literal meaning: To press keys so that information goes in.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To enter information by typing it on a keyboard or keypad.
"Please key in your PIN number to complete the transaction."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
To input a large amount of data manually into a computer system.
"She spent the afternoon keying in the survey results from the paper forms."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in instructions for ATMs, phones, computers, and software. Slightly more formal than 'type in'. Very common in British English instructions.
Commonly used with
code password number data PIN details
Forms
Base
key in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keys in
he/she/it
Past simple
keyed in
yesterday
Past participle
keyed in
have + pp
-ing form
keying in
continuous
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Synonyms
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