latchkey

IPA/ˈlætʃkiː/
KK[lˈætʃkˌi]IPA/ˈlætʃkiː/

latchkey — noun

  • latchkeysingular
  • latchkeysplural

1. a child who spends time alone in the house after school while both parents are a

1.名詞B1
釋義

a child who spends time alone in the house after school while both parents are away at work

例句

Both of Sayaka's parents worked late, so she became a latchkey child at age ten.

latchkey + child — attributive use

The community centre started an evening club for latchkey kids in the neighbourhood.

同義詞

文法句型

latchkey + child / kid

用法筆記

The full phrase 'latchkey child' or 'latchkey kid' is much more common than the shortened form 'latchkey' used alone. This term appears mainly in news reports and social discussions about working parents and after-school supervision.

常見錯誤

❌Sofia is a latchkey.
✅Sofia is a latchkey child.
💡The full phrase 'latchkey child' sounds more natural; using 'latchkey' alone to mean a child is uncommon and may confuse the listener.

2. a metal key that opens the main door people use to enter a home from outside

2.名詞B1
釋義

a metal key that opens the main door people use to enter a home from outside

例句

Felix always kept a spare latchkey under the mat by the front door.

spare + latchkey — common modifier collocation

Théo turned the old iron latchkey carefully until the lock clicked open.

同義詞

文法句型

spare / front door / old + latchkey

用法筆記

This literal sense is less common in everyday conversation than sense 1. Most English speakers today say 'house key' or 'front door key' instead of 'latchkey' when referring to the object. The word 'latchkey' for a key can sound slightly old-fashioned.

常見錯誤

❌I need a spare latchkey for my car.
✅I need a spare key for my car.
💡A latchkey is only for a house or building door, not for a vehicle.