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

• 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

The brand said in April 2021 that encrypted password information was also included within the leak, but the encryption keys to read those passwords weren’t accessed. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025

One immediate way to do this is to change the online passwords to bank accounts so only the non-gambling spouse knows them. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025

Use a strong, unique password generated by a password manager such as NordPass. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Williams demanded cash and the manager’s phone password so the couple could access her financial information, prosecutors said. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for password

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

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