keyboard

[kee-bawrd, -bohrd]

noun

the row or set of keys on a piano, organ, or the like.

a set of keys usually arranged in tiers, for operating a typewriter, typesetting machine, computer terminal, or the like.

any of various musical instruments played by means of a pianolike keyboard, as a piano, electric piano, or organ.

verb (used with or without object)

Also key, key in. Computers. to enter (information) into a computer by means of a keyboard.

to set (text) in type, using a machine that is operated by a keyboard.

Nearby words

Origin of keyboard

First recorded in 1810–20; key¹ + board

Related formskey·board·er, key·board·ist, nounre·key·board, verb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for keyboardist

Kelcey Ayer—singer, guitarist, and keyboardist—totally just forgot the words.
Local Natives’ New Album ‘Hummingbird’ Reveals Darker Tone Born of Tragedy|Melissa Leon|January 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Still, his co-writer, David Bryan (keyboardist of Bon Jovi), had some ideas for why the musical had connected with voters.
The Tonys Bring Out the Stars|Jacob Bernstein|June 14, 2010|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for keyboardist

keyboardist

noun

a person who plays a keyboard instrument, esp an electronic musical instrument

keyboard

noun

a complete set of keys, usually hand-operated, as on a piano, organ, typewriter, or typesetting machine
(as modifier)a keyboard instrument

(often plural) a musical instrument, esp an electronic one, played by means of a keyboard

verb

to set (a text, etc) in type, onto magnetic tape, or into some other medium, by using a keyboard machine

Derived Formskeyboarder, noun

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

Word Origin and History for keyboardist

keyboard

1819, from key (n.1) in sense of "mechanism of a musical instrument" + board (n.1). Originally of pianos, organs, etc., extended to other machines 1846. The verb is first recorded 1926 (implied in keyboarding).