password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd 

plural passwords

1

: something that enables one to pass or gain admission: such as

a

: a spoken word or phrase required to pass by a guard

b

: a sequence of characters required for access to a computer system or digital device compare passcode

2

: watchword

Synonyms

• countersign
• watchword
• word

Examples of password in a Sentence

You need to enter your password to check your e-mail.

the password for the all-night rave will be changed next week

Recent Examples on the Web

Profit goals have led to user drawbacks like widespread password sharing crackdowns, more and new types of ads, and the cutting of features like Dolby Vision and Atmos. —Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 16 July 2024

Apple’s put all of its password management features into a new app, Passwords. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 15 July 2024

Apple promises a Windows version called iCloud Passwords, and when this becomes available, the new Passwords app will likely become the first choice for password management for many. —Edward Mendelson, PCMAG, 15 July 2024

Texts from financial institutions could be mimicked to get an account holder to divulge passwords, and workplace relationships could reveal the identity of U.S. spies. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

password

noun

pass·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard

2

: a secret series of numbers or letters required for access to a computer