key
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A kilogram, especially of a recreational drug.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
So starting with ten keys of cocaine and two keys of heroin, Derrick put his plan in motion. Soon every major drug dealer and gang chief from Chicago Avenue to Evanston was in his pocket.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “key” mean?
A kilogram, especially of a recreational drug.
Is “key” formal or informal?
key is generally slang.