noun
General Slang
the key
thuh KEE · noun · slang
The area under the basket to the foul line
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Definitions
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The painted area immediately under the basket stretching out to the free-throw line, named for its old keyhole shape.
“You can't camp in the key for more than three seconds.”
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the key In A Sentence
You can't camp in the key for more than three seconds.
Origin & Usage
Originally keyhole-shaped, hence 'the key.'
Variants
keyhole
People Also Ask
What is the key in basketball?
The key is the painted area under the basket stretching out to the free-throw line, also called the lane or the paint.
Why is it called the key?
The area was originally narrower and keyhole-shaped, with the free-throw circle forming the round part, hence 'the key.'
What is the three-second rule in the key?
An offensive player cannot remain in the key for more than three consecutive seconds while their team has the ball, or it's a violation.
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