password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd 

plural passwords

1

: something that enables one to pass or gain admission: such as

a

: a spoken word or phrase required to pass by a guard

b

: a sequence of characters required for access to a computer system or digital device compare passcode

2

: watchword

Synonyms of password

• word

Examples of password in a Sentence

You need to enter your password to check your e-mail.

the password for the all-night rave will be changed next week

Recent Examples on the Web

How to protect yourself from identity theft Unique passwords and two-factor authentication will stymie some hackers, but freezing your credit prevents anyone from applying for new lines of credit in your name. —Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026

Unique passwords, strong authentication, malware protection and basic cyber hygiene go a long way. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026

The usernames and passwords appear linked to accounts for everything from Gmail, Facebook, and Apple to government systems around the world. —Maddy Varner, Wired News, 24 Jan. 2026

The podcast paints Jordan as an increasingly controlling and abusive on-and-off-again boyfriend of Arceneaux's who at one point gave her three pages of rules to follow, like sharing social media passwords and her location. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for password

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

password

noun

pass·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard

2

: a secret series of numbers or letters required for access to a computer