Alt key

noun

variants or Alt
: a key on a computer keyboard that when pressed in combination with other keys enables special commands or symbols to be accessed compare control key

Word History

Etymology

Alt short for alternate entry 1 or alternate entry 2

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alt key was in 1968

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Cite this Entry

“Alt key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alt%20key. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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