keynote

[kee-noht]

noun

1. Music.,  the note or tone on which a key or system of tones is founded; the tonic.

2. the main idea or central principle of a speech, program, thought, action, etc.

3. the policy line to be followed, as by a party in a political campaign, that is set forth authoritatively in advance by an address or other formal announcement.

4. keynote address.

verb (used with object)

keynoted, keynoting 

1. to announce the policy of (a political party, campaign, assembly, etc.); deliver a keynote address at.

   The governor will keynote the convention.

2. to serve as the keynote for.

3. Music.,  to give the keynote of.

verb (used without object)

keynoted, keynoting 

1. to provide a keynote, especially a keynote address.

   He refused an invitation to keynote.

keynote

/ ˈkiːˌnəʊt /

noun

1. 1. a central or determining principle in a speech, literary work, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a keynote speech

2. the note upon which a scale or key is based; tonic

verb

1. to deliver a keynote address to (a political convention, etc)

2. to outline (political issues, policy, etc) in or as in a keynote address

Word History and Origins

Origin of keynote¹

First recorded in 1755–65; key ¹ + note

Example Sentences

The Reform leader took to the stage for his keynote conference speech three hours earlier than planned after Rayner announced her resignation.

From BBC

In his keynote MacTaggart Lecture, Harding said the perception of a "political presence looming over the BBC" is a problem and that the broadcaster needs to be "beyond the reach of politicians".

From BBC

Thousands of people watch Huang’s keynote at Nvidia’s developer conference, as his vision could provide a road map for companies eager to expand investments in AI.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, the Kremlin leader delivered the keynote speech at the forum's plenary session.

From BBC

During the event’s keynote address on Tuesday, Google shared updates on its AI tools for filmmakers, including Veo 3, which allows creators to type in how they want dialogue to sound and add sound effects.

From Los Angeles Times