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

This risk has always been present and is the reason some people regard password managers as unsafe to use. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Apple recommends changing the password right away when information may have been entered into a scam site or given to a scammer. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Valve says no other purchase information was compromised, nor was payment information, passwords, or Steam Guard data; CEVA was breached, not Valve. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

In fact, many of them use default or weak passwords, essentially enabling these attackers to go right in. — CBS News, 9 Aug. 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