case-sensitive

adjective

: requiring correct input of uppercase and lowercase letters
Having the Caps Lock key on accidentally can also lead to a frustrating series of "wrong password" alerts when trying to use a case-sensitive password for your office network or Internet provider. J. D. Biersdorfer

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of case-sensitive was in 1981

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Case-sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/case-sensitive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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