keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

1

: a small set of keys that is part of a larger keyboard or another device (such as a telephone or calculator)

The keyboards of costly computers … usually have a separate numeric keypad in addition to the usual numerals in the top row of any keyboard.

—Consumer Reports

This lets you operate your centrally located audio/video gear from anywhere in the house, either by a handheld remote control or a keypad built into the wall.

—Video Review

2

: a small, usually numerical keyboard

Deactivate the alarm by punching a code into the keypad mounted inside the house.

Using a handheld keypad, the salesperson presses a three-digit code to find specific tracks. For example, "147" might be a segment with maintenance tips for the Cadillac diesel engine.

—Jane Wollman

Examples of keypad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For this review, Chamberlain sent the video keypad, which features a 1080p camera, 12 illuminated buttons (0 to 9, two-way talk, door open/close), and offers motion detection and motion alerts. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026

Property managers typically share extra details about security patrols, camera systems, and keypad entry systems. —Daniel Fusch, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Except, of course, that’s a lie — a keypad is capable of nothing on its own. —Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

There, investigators said one of the men distracted the victim by dropping some cash while another closely watched the person input their PIN into the keypad. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for keypad

• comrade
• dryad
• dyad
• forbad
• grandad
• granddad
• nomad
• notepad
• postgrad
• sinbad
• tetrad
• triad

Kids Definition

keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)