keystroke

American  

[kee-strohk] / ˈkiˌstroʊk /

noun

1. one stroke of any key on a machine operated by a keyboard, as a typewriter, computer terminal, or Linotype.

   I can do 3000 keystrokes an hour.

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keystroke British  

/ ˈkiːˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. a single operation of the mechanism of a typewriter or keyboard-operated typesetting machine by the action of a key

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Etymology

Origin of keystroke

First recorded in 1905–10; key ¹ + stroke ¹

Explanation

A keystroke is the tap of a letter, number, symbol, or command on a computer keyboard. It takes ten keystrokes to type the word vocabulary. The noun keystroke wasn't common until after the invention of computers, although you can use it when you talk about pressing a key on a typewriter as well. Online stores have made it dangerously easy to buy things, sometimes with only a few keystrokes. The word comes from the sense of stroke that's defined as "act of striking."

Example Sentences

If you look at the lower right-hand corner of the character map after you’ve chosen a letter or special character, you’ll see the word Keystroke followed by Alt and a four-digit number.

From The Verge • Apr. 26, 2022

Keystroke programs could track the typing speed of recepionists and other clerical workers throughout the day.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2013

Keystroke measurements and iris recognition could verify a student's identity The need to establish a reliable system to stop online cheating is fast becoming a mainstream concern.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2012