function key

noun

: any of a set of keys on a computer keyboard that have or can be programmed to have special functions

Examples of function key in a Sentence

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.
The keyboard’s layout has a full row of function keys which also double as multimedia shortcuts. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 There are no function keys or cursor cluster, but those functions are all accessible in conjunction with the Fn key. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 The Magic Keyboard gets a new layout with a larger trackpad and a physical function key row. Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025 This board, however, clumps the function keys into two groups. Josh Gulick, PCMAG, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function key

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of function key was circa 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Function key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/function%20key. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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