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

• countersign
• watchword
• 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 attack enables hackers to hijack mobile numbers, intercept one-time passwords, and take over bank accounts without the user’s consent, leaving no trace. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 7 June 2025

Agents autonomously handle common customer issues (e.g., account lockouts, password resets and basic inquiries), manage ticket routing and escalate complex problems to appropriate personnel. —Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

In an April indictment, federal prosecutors said the two women took various steps to conceal the fraud including having credit card statements sent to their personal addresses and adding a verbal password to prevent the union from auditing the purchases. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025

Each breach includes sensitive personal information such as credit and debit card numbers, home addresses and account usernames and passwords from hundreds of thousands – and sometimes millions – of people. —Thomas Holt, The Conversation, 5 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