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

In addition to the D2 Pro Smart Lock, TCL also announced the Smart Lock D2 Plus, which is essentially the same as the Pro, but using a fingerprint reader instead of palm recognition and the Smart Lock D2, which is keypad only. —Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

There's also a keypad and a regular mechanical key, with two keys included. —Nena Farrell, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025

The woman allegedly attempted to gain entry by repeatedly entering codes into the front door’s keypad. —Billboard Korea, Billboard, 12 June 2025

The main keypad connects to a PC or Mac through USB-C, and the dialpad connects via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Bolt dongle (sold separately). —Tom Warren, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024

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)