keypunch

US: /ˈkiˌpʌntʃ/ ,(kē′punch′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

key•punch /ˈkiˌpʌntʃ/   n. [countable]

1. Computing a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching holes in cards or paper tape in certain patterns.

v. [~ + object]

2. Computing to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape) using a keypunch.

key•punch•er, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

key•punch  (kē′punch′), n. 

1. Computing Also, key′ punch′. Also called card punch. a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching holes in cards or paper tape in specified patterns.

v.t. 

2. Computing to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape), using a keypunch.
3. Computing to insert (data) into a computer by means of a keypunch:
   to keypunch code numbers.

• key¹ + punch¹ 1930–35

key′punch′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

key punch noun

1. Also called: card punch a device having a keyboard that is operated manually to transfer data onto punched cards, paper tape, etc

verb key-punch

1. to transfer (data) onto punched cards, paper tape, etc, by using a key punch