hotkey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Informal
Quick answer
What does “hotkey” mean?
A single key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard that, when pressed, performs a specific command or function within a software application or operating system, bypassing the need for a mouse or menu navigation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard that, when pressed, performs a specific command or function within a software application or operating system, bypassing the need for a mouse or menu navigation.
A predefined key combination for quick access to a specific function; often used more broadly to refer to any keyboard shortcut. In some contexts, can refer to a physical button on a device programmed for one-touch action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'hotkey'. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Slightly more prevalent in American computing jargon, but fully understood and used in the UK.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American technical documentation and marketing. The term 'keyboard shortcut' is a common alternative in both regions, often seen as more user-friendly or descriptive.
Grammar
How to Use “hotkey” in a Sentence
to hotkey something (to a key)to assign something to a hotkeyto use a hotkey for somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hotkey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You can hotkey that macro to Shift+F8 for quicker access.
- The developer decided to hotkey the export function to a simpler combination.
American English
- I need to hotkey this command to something I can remember.
- The software allows you to hotkey almost any action.
adjective
British English
- The hotkey configuration menu is under 'Preferences'.
- He prefers a hotkey-driven workflow to using the mouse.
American English
- Check the hotkey settings to see if it's already assigned.
- This is a very hotkey-centric application.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in office software training and efficiency guides (e.g., 'Learn the hotkeys for Excel to work faster').
Academic
Used in computer science, human-computer interaction (HCI), and technical writing courses.
Everyday
Used by casual computer users discussing tips for games or common software like Word or Photoshop.
Technical
Core term in software documentation, programming (e.g., defining hotkeys in an application), and IT support.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hotkey”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hotkey”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hotkey”
- Using 'hotkey' to refer to a desktop icon shortcut. (Incorrect: 'I put a hotkey on my desktop for Chrome.')
- Spelling as two words ('hot key') is less standard in computing contexts.
- Using it as a verb without object (Incorrect: 'You can hotkey to save.' Correct: 'You can hotkey the save function to Ctrl+S.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are largely synonymous in modern usage. 'Hotkey' can sometimes imply a single-key shortcut or a system-level shortcut, while 'keyboard shortcut' is a broader, more descriptive term.
Yes, in technical and power-user contexts, it is common to use 'hotkey' as a verb meaning 'to assign an action to a key combination' (e.g., 'You can hotkey that command to F12').
A hotkey is the trigger (the key press). A macro is the recorded sequence of actions that the hotkey triggers. You often assign a macro to a hotkey.
No. While some are common conventions (Ctrl+S for save, Ctrl+C for copy), many are application-specific. Users can often customise them in the software's settings.
A single key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard that, when pressed, performs a specific command or function within a software application or operating system, bypassing the need for a mouse or menu navigation.
Hotkey is usually technical / informal in register.
Hotkey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒt kiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːt kiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Burn it into your muscle memory (said of learning essential hotkeys)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a key that is 'HOT' and ready to fire off a command instantly when you touch it, like a hot button.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY IS A BUTTON / A KEY IS A TRIGGER (for an action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of a 'hotkey'?