Latchkey Definition

lăchkē
noun
A key for drawing back or unfastening the latch of a door, esp. of an outer door, from the outside.
Webster's New World
A child who is given a key to the home and is expected to remain at home alone (without adult supervision until the parents return from work).
Wiktionary
Advertisement
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.
Webster's New World

Equipped with a key; generally in the phrase latchkey child.

Wiktionary
Advertisement

Other Word Forms of Latchkey

Noun

Singular:
latchkey
Plural:
latchkeys

Latchkey Sentence Examples

  • Such children are sometimes called "latchkey children" because they are usually given a key to the house or apartment so that they can let themselves in when they get home.

  • As a partial solution to parental concerns about latchkey children, some schools, churches, and synagogues offer after-school programs for children who would otherwise spend several hours at home alone.

  • Latchkey child-A child who must spend part of the after-school day at home without supervision while the parents are at work.

Related Articles

Advertisement

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to latchkey using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

LLALAT

Words Ending With

YEYKEY

Unscrambles

latchkey

Words Starting With L and Ending With Y

Starts With L & Ends With YStarts With LA & Ends With YStarts With L & Ends With EY

Word Length

8 Letter Words8 Letter Words Starting With L8 Letter Words Ending With Y