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 of password

• 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

After that, monitor financial accounts closely, change passwords and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if necessary. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026

This will help ensure that each account has a unique, complex password and remove the temptation to use the same password for multiple accounts. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026

This year, Data Privacy Day shouldn’t just be about personal hygiene like password managers and two-factor authentication. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Use strong passwords and multifactor identification if possible. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

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