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

If your Wi-Fi is protected by a weak password or uses outdated encryption, a skilled attacker might gain access without ever stepping inside your house. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

This $55 key supports the latest authentication standards, doubles as a smart card, and can be configured to spit out static passwords. —PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025

Beyond generating strong passwords and syncing them across devices, services like Keeper and Dashlane include additional benefits, like dark web monitoring, email masking and secure password sharing. —David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

Nuclear deterrence relies on access to materials, but code relies on just a password and motivated programmers. —MSNBC Newsweek, 8 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