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

United say a small number of season-ticket holders are passing on their usernames and passwords to friends, who then make applications from their account. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Next, use a clean device to change the password for your Apple Account, primary email account and password manager. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

The growth of password managers and third-party authentication tools are a clear example of the extra steps internet users are willing to take to protect their accounts. — David Henkin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Agentic Mode, a new feature in the 1Password browser extension, means the password manager shuts down when a compatible AI agent takes over, locking down 1Password. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 July 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