passport

noun

pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce passport (audio)
plural passports
1
a
: a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad
b
: a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : safe-conduct
c
: a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country
2
a
: a permission or authorization to go somewhere
b
: something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment
education as a passport to success

see also vaccine passport

Examples of passport in a Sentence

meeting that movie director could be your passport to a big acting career to its followers, the cult seemed like their passport to heaven
Recent Examples on the Web Chavez previously turned over his passport and surrendered his medical license, and is currently free after posting a $50,000 bond. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024 Chavez had already surrendered his passport and agreed to no longer practice medicine. Chloe Melas, NBC News, 2 Oct. 2024 After that, users will be required to scan the security chip located on the back of passports. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 1 Oct. 2024 Participants can also win rewards after visiting six of the 12 spots and again when completing the passport. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passport 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'passport.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) pasport, from Middle French passeport, from passer to pass + port port, from Latin portus — more at ford

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passport was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near passport

Cite this Entry

“Passport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passport. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

passport

noun
pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce passport (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: a government-issued document that serves to identify a citizen and allows him or her to travel to foreign countries
2
: something that allows a person to reach a desired goal
education can be a passport to a successful future

More from Merriam-Webster on passport

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