passkey

noun

pass·​key ˈpas-ˌkē 

plural passkeys

1

: a key that provides special access (as to a secure area)

… left his swipe-card passkey behind when he stepped outside the tower's secure door and was unable to get back in …

—UPI.com

: such as

a

: a key designed to open any of a set of similar locks : master key

b

: a key with a large part of the bit filed away to enable it to open low quality locks as a master key : skeleton key

2

: an authentication method that uses biometrics (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) to identify and grant access to an authorized user

Instead of a vulnerable password, passkeys work by using your biometric data as your login 'fingerprint.' For example, you could use the Touch ID button on a Mac or a facial recognition scanner on your smartphone to log in to your account. No typing required.

—digitaltrends.com

Examples of passkey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adopting Robust Authentication Measures Implementing robust authentication measures like passkeys enhances security, streamlines user experience and reduces organization operation costs. —Venkat Viswanathan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Select Sign in with a passkey, or a similar option. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Instead, use authentication methods like passkeys, Google Sign-In or Apple Sign-In. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

In response, he’s asked Mailchimp about whether the company plans on offering passkeys, which can stop such phishing attacks. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for passkey

• ascii

Kids Definition

passkey

noun

pass·​key ˈpas-ˌkē 

1

: a key for opening two or more locks

2

: skeleton key