latchkey

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since I was a latchkey kid, I needed to find something else to do after school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"Dinosaurs were more like latchkey kids," Holtz said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

She mentions: "I was a latchkey kid, so I grew up with a lot of fast food and TV tray meals."

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2025

I think for latchkey kids of the ‘80s and ‘90s, celebrities filled in for the family members we wish we had.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2023

He and I are going to help Mom practice every single night, which is why I’m sitting at my desk instead of watching after-school TV, which is a birthright of every latchkey child.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead