Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🖨️ A data recorder 👩‍💻 A data typist ⌨️ To enter data
to keypunch

to keypunch

8.2
To type data on a keyboard or on a machine that makes holes in cards
  • verb
  • /ˈkiːˌpʌnʧ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : perforar
  • The raw data from each questionnaire were keypunched according to the specified column format onto the personal computer using the Statistical Package for Social Science for Personal Computers (SPSSpc) Data Entry Program.

Examples

  • Identification numbers and item responses were coded, keypunched, and analyzed using frequency, McNemar, and chi-square programs of SPSSX (1986).

    Academic text (1990)

  • The technician was required to keypunch all the survey results into the database for later review.

  • Information is recorded on a data sheet, coded, and keypunched for analysis.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Before the analysis began, we had to keypunch each participant's answers into the system.

  • To submit her research findings, she had to keypunch the data from the surveys into the program.

Synonyms

to typewrite
vsto keypunch
  • Archaic
1 7.3

To write by pressing keys on a typewriter or keyboard

focuses on punched-card entry rather than general typed output
to keyboard
vsto keypunch
3.5

To type text into a computer or device using a set of keys

is specific to machines that punch holes in cards for storage
to key down
vsto keypunch
5.5

To type notes or information on a computer keyboard

is aimed at punched-card machines rather than general note taking
to touch-type
vsto keypunch
4.2

To type on a keyboard without looking at the keys using memory to find the letters

refers to entering data on punched-card machines, not a typing method

Antonyms

to delete
287 2.0

To remove information like text or files so it cannot be seen

to erase
144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

How Fast

to keypunch
  • Archaic
8.2
to type
367 1.0
to input
  • Specialized
23 3.5

Surface Forms

keypunch infinitive
keypunched past
keypunched past participle
keypunching present participle
keypunches third person singular

Morphology

keypunch = keypunch (semi-transparent) = key + punch

This is a conversion from the noun 'keypunch'; the verb sense is understandable as using that machine, but it is a specialized historical term rather than a fully transparent everyday formation.

Etymology

Keypunch as a verb is literal, joining key ('button') and punch ('make a hole'). So to keypunch is to enter data by typing on a keypunch machine or keyboard and 'punching' the information into cards.