key punch

noun

1. Also key punch. Also called card punch. a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching holes in cards or paper tape in specified patterns.

verb (used with object)

2. to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape), using a keypunch.
3. to insert (data) into a computer by means of a keypunch: to keypunch code numbers.

noun

1. Also called: card punch a device having a keyboard that is operated manually to transfer data onto punched cards, paper tape, etc

verb key-punch

2. to transfer (data) onto punched cards, paper tape, etc, by using a key punch

n.

1933, from key (n.1) + punch (v.).