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 larger 16-inch display also allows for a full keyboard with a ten-key keypad for easier data entry. —Anshel Sag, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

This device can double as a security base and keypad for other Ecobee devices, making this a two-in-one purchase. —John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

Keypad Entry Upgrading to keypad entries for doors also proved popular. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025

The water alarm was triggered at 8:16 a.m., and the panic button on the keypad by the front door was activated at 8:55 a.m. —Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 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)