card-key: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; technical/hotel management.
Quick answer
What does “card-key” mean?
A thin, flat piece of plastic with an embedded electronic code, used to unlock doors electronically.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, flat piece of plastic with an embedded electronic code, used to unlock doors electronically.
Any physical key or access device in a rectangular, card-like form, or by extension, the system of electronic access that uses such devices (e.g., card-key entry).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. 'Key card' is an equally common, if not more frequent, variant in both dialects. The order 'card-key' is slightly less common.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. 'Key card' might be perceived as slightly more modern or standard in corporate/hotel contexts.
Frequency
'Key card' is generally more frequent in corpus data for both BrE and AmE. 'Card-key' is still understood and used, particularly in older systems or technical specifications.
Grammar
How to Use “card-key” in a Sentence
swipe/insert a card-keyuse a card-key to open/get into Xa card-key for the main entrancethe card-key systemVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “card-key” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The card-key reader was malfunctioning.
- They installed a new card-key entry system.
American English
- The building has a card-key access policy.
- We need to order more card-key blanks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for secure access to office buildings, server rooms, or rented workspaces.
Academic
Might appear in texts on security systems, hospitality management, or building technology.
Everyday
Commonly encountered when staying in hotels or accessing modern apartment buildings or gyms.
Technical
Specifies a type of physical access credential in security system documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “card-key”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “card-key”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “card-key”
- Using 'card-key' as a verb (e.g., 'I card-keyed into the room' – non-standard). Confusing it with a 'credit card' or 'ID card' without the access function. Misspelling as 'cardkey' (one word is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Key card' is the more common term in modern usage, but 'card-key' is perfectly understandable.
Typically, yes, for the duration of its authorisation (e.g., a hotel stay, employment). However, they can be programmed for single-use or deactivated remotely.
Take it to the front desk (hotel) or security office (office). It may need to be reprogrammed, reactivated, or replaced.
It is a compound noun. The hyphenated form 'card-key' and the two-word form 'key card' are both standard. The solid form 'cardkey' is less common.
A thin, flat piece of plastic with an embedded electronic code, used to unlock doors electronically.
Card-key is usually neutral to formal; technical/hotel management. in register.
Card-key: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd kiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd kiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a credit CARD that is also a KEY. A flat, plastic CARD that acts as a KEY.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY is a TOOL FOR OPENING; A CARD is a TOKEN OF IDENTITY/AUTHORISATION. Combined: A TOKEN OF AUTHORISATION THAT FUNCTIONS AS A TOOL FOR OPENING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a card-key?