Synonyms

skeleton key

American

noun

a key with nearly the whole substance of the bit filed away so that it may open various locks.

skeleton key British

noun

Also called: passkey. a key with the serrated edge filed down so that it can open numerous locks

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of skeleton key

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

skeleton key

That changed in 1996 when he was given a skeleton key that opened glass advertising boxes on the sides of phone booths and bus kiosks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

His latest film is a skeleton key that unlocks the answers, Sam Adams writes.

From Slate ● Jun. 30, 2023

Those looking for a felt skeleton key to unlock his various idiosyncrasies aren’t likely to find one.

From New York Times ● Mar. 11, 2023

The two hand-delivered the resolution to the city government in Novorossiysk along with a symbolic large golden skeleton key.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 18, 2022

The deputy examined the puny little chess book as if he was expecting to find a false compartment and a skeleton key.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023