KEYBOARD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does keyboard mean? 

• KEYBOARD (noun)
  The noun KEYBOARD has 2 senses:

1. device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like

2. holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung

  Familiarity information: KEYBOARD used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• KEYBOARD (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("keyboard" is a kind of...):

device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose)

Meronyms (parts of "keyboard"):

action; action mechanism (the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism)

Meronyms (members of "keyboard"):

key (a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "keyboard"):

computer keyboard; keypad (a keyboard that is a data input device for computers; arrangement of keys is modelled after the typewriter keyboard)

clavier; fingerboard; piano keyboard (a bank of keys on a musical instrument)

typewriter keyboard (a keyboard for manually entering characters to be printed)

Holonyms ("keyboard" is a part of...):

computer; computing device; computing machine; data processor; electronic computer; information processing system (a machine for performing calculations automatically)

organ; pipe organ (wind instrument whose sound is produced by means of pipes arranged in sets supplied with air from a bellows and controlled from a large complex musical keyboard)

forte-piano; piano; pianoforte (a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds)

terminal (electronic equipment consisting of a device providing access to a computer; has a keyboard and display)

typesetting machine (a printer that sets textual material in type)

typewriter (hand-operated character printer for printing written messages one character at a time)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("keyboard" is a kind of...):

holder (a holding device)

 Context examples 

Examples of ergonomic changes to your work might include: • Adjusting the position of your computer keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome • Being sure that the height of your desk chair allows your feet to rest flat on floor • Learning the right way to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries • Using handle coatings or special gloves to suppress vibrations from power tools

(Ergonomics, NIH)