hotkey

or hot key

[ hot-kee ]

noun

, Computers.

1. an assigned key or sequence of keys programmed to execute a command or perform a specific task in a software application:

   On Windows computers, the hotkey Ctrl+S can be used to quickly save a file.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hotkey¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Keyboards also open the door for hotkeys and “macros,” custom combos you activate with a single key.

From Popular-Science

It also features plenty of hotkeys for assigning and automating the many tasks your settlers, workers, and warriors carry out.

From Popular-Science

Outside of games, it’s great for hotkeys like opening tabs or refreshing a page in Chrome.

From Popular-Science

There, you’ll see the General tab, where you can set the main hotkey to enable Alfred, and the Features tab, where you can set shortcuts for particular actions related to files and apps.

From Popular-Science

Knowing the right keyboard shortcuts can make a big difference in how quickly you can get stuff done—and if the hotkeys you need aren’t available, it’s not difficult to create your own.

From Popular-Science