What does keying mean?
Keying is a form of the verb key used for an ongoing or completed process of operating something with a key. Its commonest sense is entering information on a keyboard or keypad, especially when the act of typing is itself being discussed: “keying in the access code.” It can also mean locking or securing something with a key, as in “keying the back door,” and in technical contexts, setting or adjusting equipment to a particular key or frequency. The related noun use names an act or process, such as the keying of a transmitter or the keying of data into a database. “Keying” is generally neutral and practical, though it can sound specialized in radio, audio, cryptography, typesetting, and data-entry work. Because it is formed directly from key with the suffix -ing, it can function as a present participle, as in “she is keying the code,” or a gerund, as in “keying takes time.” Its usefulness lies in describing the specific activities of entering, securing, configuring, or transmitting by means of a key.
As a verb, keying is the present participle and gerund of key. It describes entering information with a keyboard or keypad, locking or securing something with a key, or performing another action by means of a key.
"She is keying the access code into the terminal."
It is especially common in data entry and technical contexts; the precise meaning depends on what is being operated or configured.
As a noun, keying denotes the act or process of operating something with a key, particularly entering information, configuring a device, or transmitting a signal.
"Keying the transmitter requires a steady hand."
It is normally used as a mass or process noun, although distinct instances can occasionally be counted as “keyings.”
Normally uncountable; the plural is uncommon and is used mainly for distinct instances of the process.
"The operator recorded each successful keying of the access code."
From typing a password to operating a transmitter, keying captures the act of making a machine respond to a key.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does keying come from?
Keying is a regular English gerund formed from key and the suffix -ing. The verb key descends from Middle English keyen, from Old English cǣgan, associated with the Old English noun cǣg; the precise origin of that noun is uncertain. Modern words such as keyboard and keystone share the same root, while keyed and keyer illustrate the verb’s ordinary English inflections and derivatives.
Related word forms
How keying is actually used
Keying is often more natural as a process term than as a description of a single completed action; for ordinary typing, “entering” or “typing” may be more precise. “Keying in” and “keying up” are especially associated with telecommunications, broadcasting, and technical equipment.
Easily confused with keying
Keening means wailing mournfully, whereas keying usually means entering or operating something with a key.