History of Meta Key

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .

a key labled Meta, first appeared on

(2025-07-05 thanks to Lars Brinkhoff for most info on this page.)

the second keyboard that has a key labeled meta is SAIL Keyboard around 1970.

on SAIL keyboard the Meta key is used as a modifier key much like our Shift by holding it down then press other key.

SAIL keyboard's meta key is influential, and appeared in later lisp keyboards for about 20 years.

SAIL keyboard inspired the Knight keyboard.

the Knight Keyboard inspired Meta use in EMACS, as a convenience instead of pressing Altmode (similar functionality to today's Esc).

the Knight Keyboard inspired the Space Cadet Keyboard.

and the meta key subsequently appeared on other Lisp Machine Keyboards ⌨

It also appeared on Sun Microsystems keyboard.

then, it became Apple's Apple key (Command key). 〔see Apple Keyboard History ⌨〕

And it became Windows key on Microsoft keyboards. First appeared on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard

Meta key in emacs

The meta key, today is still used by emacs. Emacs is the only app that rely on it extensively, and kept using the jargon meta key in its manual. On personal computer keyboards (Microsoft Windows keyboards and Mac keyboard and on linux), the Alt key functions as the meta key. 〔see Emacs: What is Meta Key〕

history of meta key