passport

noun

pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce passport (audio)
plural passports
1
a
: a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad
b
: a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : safe-conduct
c
: a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country
2
a
: a permission or authorization to go somewhere
b
: something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment
education as a passport to success

see also vaccine passport

Examples of passport in a Sentence

meeting that movie director could be your passport to a big acting career to its followers, the cult seemed like their passport to heaven
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One easy-access zippered pocket on the front will hold a portable charger or your passport in a pinch, and it’s sustainably made from recycled polyester fabric. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 With a free mobile passport, enjoy discounts, half-price appetizers, even a free glass of wine with an entrée at Well Hung Vineyard. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 Now, at 19 years old, he's got five completely full passports and a slew of remarkable life experiences under his belt. Vanessa Romo, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025 Also recorded will be your passport information (full name and date of birth), the dates and places of entry and exit into Schengen. Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passport

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) pasport, from Middle French passeport, from passer to pass + port port, from Latin portus — more at ford

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passport was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Passport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passport. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

passport

noun
pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce passport (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: a government-issued document that serves to identify a citizen and allows him or her to travel to foreign countries
2
: something that allows a person to reach a desired goal
education can be a passport to a successful future

More from Merriam-Webster on passport

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