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

The system, which starts at $269.99 and includes an Ecobee thermostat, can be controlled from a keypad built into the thermostat. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 8 Apr. 2024

The numeric keypad is great for spreadsheets or coding, while the full row of function/multimedia keys makes the Q6 Pro sure-footed with both Macs and PCs. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The volume can be adjusted on the keypad or in the app. —PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024

The station said its security cameras show a man using what appears to be a blow torch on a parking gate keypad before moving around to the front parking lot and igniting cars. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024

The wireless keypad uses four AA batteries or can be wired to doorbell wiring. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 27 Feb. 2024

Increasingly, people place calls by touching a link on a smartphone screen rather than punching numbers on a keypad. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024

There’s also an impressive home gym, private office, large laundry room, and high-end technology like a Lutron System, automatic shades and drapes, Savant Integration, and a custom keypad entry. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2023

The company debuted its new retrofit lock at the IFA 2023 tech show last summer; showcasing its Matter-over-Thread connectivity and separate Bluetooth keypad with a fingerprint reader and NFC built in. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 27 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)