keypunch

[ kee-puhnch ]

/ ˈkiˌpʌntʃ /

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noun

Also key punch .Also called card punch. a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching holes in cards or paper tape in specified patterns.

verb (used with object)

to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape), using a keypunch.

to insert (data) into a computer by means of a keypunch: to keypunch code numbers.

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Origin of keypunch

First recorded in 1930–35; key¹ + punch¹

OTHER WORDS FROM keypunch

keypuncher, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use keypunch in a sentence

Getting men to do their share of care and domestic work is a key overlooked strategy in reducing poverty.
How Good Dads Can Change the World|Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
By contrast, Solomon can tell us a great deal about what really changed the country—because at key moments, he was there.
The Real Story Behind the Fight for Marriage Equality|E.J. Graff|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The second lesson is that no one writing before the twentieth century holds a key to our problems.
American Democracy Under Threat for 250 Years|Jedediah Purdy|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As with so many things, keeping screen time in moderate amounts seems key.
Yes, Your Toddler Can Watch TV: The New Rules for Screen Time|Russell Saunders|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The opposition responded with a month-long Occupy Abay (like Occupy Wall St) campaign, in which Udaltsov was one of key figures.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mr. Jones swung round a large iron key he held in his hand, and light dawned upon him.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
Mr. Collingwood, taking the key from his mother, locked the little door in the boarding, after them.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman
About her neck was hung a covered basket and a door-key; and Davy at once concluded that she was Sindbad's house-keeper.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
The girl smiled, and drew out a large key, and nodded, still smiling as she replaced it.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The friends were standing close to the wall; but on these sounds they moved away; and a key presently turned in the door.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter

British Dictionary definitions for keypunch

key punch

noun

Also called: card punch a device having a keyboard that is operated manually to transfer data onto punched cards, paper tape, etc

verb key-punch

to transfer (data) onto punched cards, paper tape, etc, by using a key punch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012