latchkey Hear it!

latchkey Definition

latch·key (lac̸h′kē′)

noun

a key for drawing back or unfastening the latch of a door, esp. of an outer door, from the outside

adjective

designating, of, or having to do with a child or children who receive no supervision at home after school hours, because their parents are away working

Etymology: from the door key carried by such a child

latchkey Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

kid: It might also help prevent " the latchkey kid " phenomenon when both parents are working.

Browse dictionary entries near latchkey

  1. ‹ latchet
  2. ‹ latch onto
  3. ‹ latch
  4. ‹ Latakia
  5. ‹ LATA
  6. ‹ lat
  7. ‹ lastly
  8. ‹ lasting
  9. ‹ last word
  10. ‹ last will and testament
  1. latchstring ›
  2. late ›
  3. late bloomer ›
  4. Late Greek ›
  5. Late Latin ›
  6. latecomer ›
  7. lateen ›
  8. lateen-rigged ›
  9. lately ›
  10. latency ›