password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd How to pronounce password (audio)
plural passwords
Synonyms of passwordnext
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

Synonyms of password

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His team found that this Omnistealer was compatible with more than 60 cryptocurrency wallet extensions, including MetaMask and Coinbase; more than 10 password managers, including LastPass; more than 10 web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox; and cloud storage services like Google Drive. Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026 According to one of the department sources, there was a vague reference to LAPD employees needing to change their passwords more frequently at a regular meeting Monday of command staff — but no mention of the breach itself or what files had become public. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 The Russian military is once again hacking home and small office routers in widespread operations that send unwitting users to sites that harvest passwords and credential tokens for use in espionage campaigns, researchers said Tuesday. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2026 At this point, only platinum tickets are available for upcoming shows without a pre-sale password. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for password

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of password was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Password.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/password. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

password

noun
pass·​word -ˌwərd How to pronounce password (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on password

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster