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key card

American  

noun

  • key cards
    plural
  1. a plastic card, similar to a credit card, containing data on an embedded magnetized strip that can electronically unlock a door, activate a machine, etc.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A woman says she was left shaken when a stranger came into her Travelodge room having been given a key card by staff.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

With a digital key card for Chuck’s Arcade starting at $10, the buy-in to try out the space isn’t large, but this felt like a tentative step into adulthood.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2025

Dr. Zhang’s key card had been canceled and the elevators had been turned off.

From New York Times ● May 1, 2024

And why couldn't I even remember how to use my key card?

From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2023

He put a key card into a slot in the elevator panel and we started to descend.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

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