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

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

The sizable pink keypad lights up with flamingoes, palm trees, hearts, and the Barbie logo behind the keys. —PCMAG, 12 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)