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

Photographers, videographers and designers can boost their productivity by using a combination of the keypad and dial pad to turbocharge controls and settings in their favorite software. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The low-profile package includes a pair of entry sensors for your front and back door, a multi-purpose motion sensor, an alarm keypad, and a base station. —Karl Klockars, PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025

The Scribe Compact also has a numeric keypad but in a smaller form factor. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

This fireproof and waterproof safe features a digital backlit keypad and plenty of storage space for your valuables and documents. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025

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)