latchkey

American  

[lach-kee] / ˈlætʃˌki /

noun

plural

latchkeys

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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Etymology

Origin of latchkey

First recorded in 1815–25; latch + key ¹

Example Sentences

Since I was a latchkey kid, I needed to find something else to do after school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

The exchange arrived in Season1, Episode 2, as Meghan detailed how she grew up as an average American latchkey kid who ate a lot of fast food.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

Particularly one with a bike, an innate curiosity, and a latchkey.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel