latchkey

[lach-kee]

noun

plural

latchkeys 

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

latchkey

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of latchkey¹

First recorded in 1815–25; latch + key ¹

Example Sentences

I view that album in particular very much within the realm of a child who grows up in a latchkey situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a lovely landing for a latchkey kid who grew up eating Jack in the Box, and we’re not mad at it.

Read more on Salon

She mentions: "I was a latchkey kid, so I grew up with a lot of fast food and TV tray meals."

Read more on BBC

Don’t tell helicopter parents, but the gleefully transgressive flicks that entertained a generation of latchkey wildlings are coming back in style.

Read more on New York Times

She says growing numbers of one-parent households, unmarried parents and “latchkey kids” who walk into empty homes after school each day have eroded the foundations that taught past generations to endure routine stress.

Read more on Washington Times