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 entire process is generally as quick, if not quicker, than logging in to the site with a password. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025

With a series of one-word clues, teams race to guess the secret password for a chance to win cash prizes. —Peter White, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025

Don't use your child's name or personally identifiable information in your passwords or the same password for multiple accounts. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025

This is important because most of us use our keyboard to type passwords, contact details, home address and other sensitive and private information. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 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