keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

1

: a small set of keys that is part of a larger keyboard or another device (such as a telephone or calculator)

The keyboards of costly computers … usually have a separate numeric keypad in addition to the usual numerals in the top row of any keyboard.

—Consumer Reports

This lets you operate your centrally located audio/video gear from anywhere in the house, either by a handheld remote control or a keypad built into the wall.

—Video Review

2

: a small, usually numerical keyboard

Deactivate the alarm by punching a code into the keypad mounted inside the house.

Using a handheld keypad, the salesperson presses a three-digit code to find specific tracks. For example, "147" might be a segment with maintenance tips for the Cadillac diesel engine.

—Jane Wollman

Examples of keypad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, there’s a frequent hack that shows someone putting Scotch tape over the keypad of one’s microwave, then peeling it off. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025

During the winter respiratory virus season, public touchpoints, such as a grocery checkout keypad or the handlebars on a public bus, are also likely to harbor cold germs. —Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025

This has a useful layout for power users that does away with a numeric keypad. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

In some instances, a keypad may be installed overtop of the device's keypad, to copy the keystrokes of a customer's pin. —Harrison Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for keypad

• comrade
• dryad
• dyad
• forbad
• grandad
• granddad
• nomad
• notepad
• postgrad
• sinbad
• tetrad
• triad

Kids Definition

keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)