Keyhole

/ˈkiːhoʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small opening in a door or a lock through which one can see or which allows a key to be inserted.

He placed his eye to the keyhole to try to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside the room.

The aperture in a lock that accepts a key.

She fumbled with the key as she tried to insert it into the keyhole.

Figuratively, a narrow view or perspective on a situation.

Looking at the issue through a keyhole doesn't provide the full picture of the complex situation.

The word originates from the combination of 'key' and 'hole', referring to the hole where a key is inserted.

through the keyhole

to look secretively or sneakily at something

keyhole surgery

a minimally invasive surgical procedure using small incisions

lock

A mechanism for securing a door, gate, or container.

key

A small metal instrument used to open locks.

To be nosy or intrusive

Stop keyholing into their conversation!