latchkey

[ lach-kee ]

/ ˈlætʃˌki /

a key for releasing a latch or springlock, especially on an outer door.

Origin of latchkey

First recorded in 1815–25; latch + key¹

I ought to know, for he forgot his latchkey, and I had to get up and let him in.

Adrift in New York |Horatio Alger
He opened the door with his latchkey, and ascended rapidly to the first floor.

The Moon Rock |Arthur J. Rees
Then he took a latchkey from his pocket and gave it to the young man.

The Angel |Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
Nanna had evidently been waiting for the sound of his latchkey.

The Helpmate |May Sinclair

Pale and resolute, Gideon offered her his arm, and the pair descended the steps, followed by Morris clamouring for the latchkey.

The Wrong Box |Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne

latchkey

/ (ˈlætʃˌkiː) /

a key for an outside door or gate, esp one that lifts a latch