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What is the Meaning of “Keyboard”?

Keyboard
/ˈkiːbɔːrd/

A board with many buttons (keys) that you press with your fingers to type on a computer or play a musical instrument.

Definition of Keyboard

Quick Meaning of Keyboard

A board with many buttons (keys) that you press with your fingers to type on a computer or play a musical instrument.

Detailed Definition of Keyboard

A set of keys on a computer, typewriter, or musical instrument that you press with your fingers to input letters, numbers, or produce sound.

How to Pronounce Keyboard

IPA: /ˈkiːbɔːrd/
key board

Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).

Tip: Two syllables: KEY-board. Stress on first syllable. First part has long /iː/ like 'key', second part /bɔːrd/ sounds like 'board'.

Watch out: Sometimes mispronounced as 'key-board' with stress on second syllable; stress should be on first syllable KEY-board.

Full pronunciation guide for “keyboard” →

Origin and Etymology of Keyboard

Modern compound: key + board. Originates from piano keyboards in 19th century, adopted for typewriters and computers.

How to Use Keyboard in a Sentence

Each example shows “keyboard” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Please type your password on the keyboard.”
    A1 daily
  • “My computer keyboard is broken and I need a new one.”
    A1 conversation
  • “The musician played a beautiful melody on the electronic keyboard.”
    A2 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Keyboard

Common Synonyms for Keyboard

Smart Synonyms for Keyboard — When to Use Each

keypad
for smaller keyboards with fewer keys
typewriter
for older mechanical typing devices

See all synonyms for “keyboard” →

Common Collocations with Keyboard

These phrases pair with “keyboard” in everyday English:

  • computer keyboard
  • keyboard shortcut
  • wireless keyboard
  • mechanical keyboard
  • press a key

Common Mistakes When Using Keyboard

Even fluent speakers slip up with “keyboard”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: She use her keyboard to type very quickly.
✓ Correct: She uses her keyboard to type very quickly.
Why: Third person singular 'she' requires -s form 'uses', not base form 'use'.
✗ Wrong: The keyboards on the desks is new.
✓ Correct: The keyboards on the desks are new.
Why: Plural 'keyboards' requires plural verb 'are', not singular 'is'.

Other Forms of Keyboard

Frequently Asked Questions About Keyboard

What is the meaning of "Keyboard"?

A board with many buttons (keys) that you press with your fingers to type on a computer or play a musical instrument.

How do you pronounce "Keyboard"?

The IPA is /ˈkiːbɔːrd/. Two syllables: KEY-board. Stress on first syllable. First part has long /iː/ like 'key', second part /bɔːrd/ sounds like 'board'.

What part of speech is "Keyboard"?

"Keyboard" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Keyboard"?

Common synonyms include keypad, input device, typewriter.

How do you use "Keyboard" in a sentence?

For example: "Please type your password on the keyboard."

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