keystroke

1 of 2

noun

key·​stroke ˈkē-ˌstrōk How to pronounce keystroke (audio)
: the act or an instance of depressing a key on a keyboard

keystroke

2 of 2

verb

keystroked; keystroking; keystrokes

transitive verb

: keyboard

Examples of keystroke in a Sentence

Noun He deleted all of my work with a single keystroke.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
These software programs can log users’ every keystroke and click, and all that information belongs to the public. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The hackers are able to capture keystrokes, screenshots, audio, and video, monitor the clipboard, and operate the device remotely. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
For example, Mindstrong was an early startup with an app that tracked taps, swipes, and keystrokes to identify digital biomarkers of cognitive function. — Gwendolyn Rak, IEEE Spectrum, 19 May 2024 Bernhardt’s report points to keystroke logging technology and webcams that can tell when a person goes off task as examples of tech that can keep track of people even when working from home. — Chase Difeliciantonio, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2021 See All Example Sentences for keystroke

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keystroke was in 1867

Rhymes for keystroke

See All Rhymes for keystroke

Browse Nearby Words

Keystoner
keystroke
Keytainer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keystroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keystroke. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

keystroke

noun
key·​stroke
-ˌstrōk
: the act or an instance of pushing down a key on a keyboard

More from Merriam-Webster on keystroke

Nglish: Translation of keystroke for Spanish Speakers

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