A primary action key on a computer keyboard that signals the system to process the inputted text or command. Its name originates from electric typewriters, where pressing it caused the carriage to return to the left margin and advance the platen. In terminal interfaces and text editors, it inserts a carriage return character, a line feed, or both, depending on the operating system configuration.
Hit the return key once you finish typing the IP address to ping the server.
Do not mix it up with
- Enter key: The return key originates from typewriters for line breaks, while the enter key was designed for numeric keypads to submit data, though most operating systems map them to the same function.
Related terms
Enter key
A keyboard button used to execute a command, submit data, or create a new line.
Keyboard
A primary input device consisting of mechanical or membrane switches used to enter alphanumeric data into a computer.
Escape character
A specific control code that changes the meaning of the data immediately following it.