card key reader

Meaning

A card key reader is an electronic device, usually installed next to a door, that reads the data on a plastic key card to unlock the door. It is standard technology in modern hotels, offices, and secure parking areas.

Examples

• Hold your room card against the card key reader until the light turns green.

  Hold your room card against the card key reader until the light turns green.

• I think the card key reader is broken because my card won't unlock the door.

  I think the card key reader is broken because my card won't unlock the door.

• Swipe your card down through the card key reader to access the hotel gym.

  Swipe your card down through the card key reader to access the hotel gym.

• The blue light on the card key reader indicates that the battery is low.

  The blue light on the card key reader indicates that the battery is low.

• The receptionist told us to tap our cards on the card key reader by the elevator.

  The receptionist told us to tap our cards on the card key reader by the elevator.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Put your card in the key door reader.

  ✓ Put your card in the card key reader.

  'Key door reader' is unnatural. The correct terms are 'card key reader' or 'key card reader'.

• ✗ The card reader key is not working.

  ✓ The card key reader is not working.

  'Card reader key' confuses the key (the card) with the reader (the device). The device itself is the 'card key reader'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If the light on the ___ flashes red, your card might be demagnetized.

  💡 The sensor on the door that scans your key card.

  Show answer

  card key reader

• Please tap your room card on the ___ to open the main gate.

  💡 The electronic device that grants access when scanned.

  Show answer

  card key reader