latchkey child

American  

noun

1. a child who must spend at least part of the day alone and unsupervised, as when the parents are away at work.

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latchkey child British  

noun

1. a child who has to let himself or herself in at home on returning from school, as his or her parents are out at work

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Etymology

Origin of latchkey child

First recorded in 1940–45; so called because such a child is provided with a key for getting into the home after school

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

latchkey child

As a latchkey child of divorced parents growing up near Syracuse, Muir took comfort from the news “family” that appeared on his television each evening.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 1, 2014

As a latchkey child of divorced parents growing up near Syracuse, Muir took comfort from the news "family" that appeared on his television each evening.

From US News ● Sep. 1, 2014

I noted an available guideline: the National SafeKids Campaign recommends that - and added that I was a latchkey child at 6 or 7, and loved it.

From New York Times ● Jun. 28, 2012

By Perminder Khatkar The term "latchkey child" may date back to World War II, but even today thousands of older children are home alone between 3pm and 7pm.

From BBC ● May 26, 2010

He and I are going to help Mom practice every single night, which is why I’m sitting at my desk instead of watching after-school TV, which is a birthright of every latchkey child.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead