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

This is all part of Microsoft’s push for users to delete account passwords altogether and to use passkeys instead. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Change passwords Continue to change passwords for all your important accounts, including email, banking and social media. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025

Voice recognition, facial scanning, and fingerprint readers are replacing passwords. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025

That means no more switching apps, no more remembering separate passwords for individual services, and no guessing which movie or show is on which platform. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 June 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