Main Entry: pass·port

Pronunciation: \ˈpas-ˌpȯrt\

Function: noun

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

Date: 15th century

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>