two-factor authentication

noun

two-fac·​tor authentication ˈtü-ˈfak-tər- How to pronounce two-factor authentication (audio)
: a method of verifying the identity of a person (as for granting access to a system) by requiring a password and an additional form of authorization (such as a code, a fingerprint, or a smartphone app)
abbreviation 2FA
compare multi-factor authentication

Examples of two-factor authentication in a Sentence

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.
Secure your primary email with a long, unique password and two-factor authentication. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025 Adding two-factor authentication can further hinder cybercriminals. Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025 And as with any other service, don't forget to enable two-factor authentication on your AI accounts. Jp Aumasson, Wired News, 29 Nov. 2025 Devices must also be running iOS 16.1 or newer and have Face ID, Touch ID, and two-factor authentication enabled. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for two-factor authentication

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-factor authentication was in 1990

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Cite this Entry

“Two-factor authentication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-factor%20authentication. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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