latchkey

American  

[lach-kee] / ˈlætʃˌki /

noun

latchkeys plural

1. a key for releasing a latch or springlock, especially on an outer door.

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latchkey British  

/ ˈlætʃˌkiː /

noun

1. a key for an outside door or gate, esp one that lifts a latch

2. 1. a supposed freedom from restrictions

   2. ( as modifier )

      a latchkey existence

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• latchkeys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of latchkey

First recorded in 1815–25; latch + key ¹

Example Sentences

I was a 1980s latchkey kid, and some of my favorite memories involved coming home from school, choosing something to heat up from the freezer and watching family sitcom reruns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"Dinosaurs were more like latchkey kids," Holtz said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

In At Attin, Wim is a latchkey kid who dreams of Jedi adventures with his reliable best friend Neel.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2024

“I think for latchkey kids of the ‘80s and ‘90s, celebrities filled in for the family members we wish we had,” she said.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

After-school junk food is another fundamental right of the latchkey child.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead