shift key

American  

noun

1. a typewriter key that determines whether characters are printed in upper or lower case and controls the printing of numbers and symbols.

2. Computers. a key that performs the same functions as on a typewriter keyboard and also controls other functions, depending on the program.

   To print a file, depress the shift key and a function key.

---

shift key British  

noun

1. a key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used to type capital letters and certain numbers and symbols

---

Etymology

Origin of shift key

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

If toggling the shift key while they type out their song titles has officially become the first tiny step toward the red carpet, we’re likely to see more of it.

From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2022

Here's a quick keyboard shortcut I use all the time: Instead of just Ctrl + V to paste text, add in the shift key.

From Fox News • Feb. 20, 2022

For my build I went with a UK layout, meaning it has a shorter left shift key that doesn’t need a stabilizer, and an enter key whose stabilizer is mounted vertically.

From The Verge • Jun. 21, 2019

In contrast, my thumb could not reach keys on the sides of the older iPhone 8 Plus, like the shift key or the backspace key, because of the space taken up by the bezel.

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2018

On my keyboard, if I press the shift key I cannot then type a lower-case letter.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton