passkey

noun

pass·​key ˈpas-ˌkē 

plural passkeys

1

: a key that provides special access (as to a secure area)

… left his swipe-card passkey behind when he stepped outside the tower's secure door and was unable to get back in …

—UPI.com

: such as

a

: a key designed to open any of a set of similar locks : master key

b

: a key with a large part of the bit filed away to enable it to open low quality locks as a master key : skeleton key

2

: an authentication method that uses biometrics (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) to identify and grant access to an authorized user

Instead of a vulnerable password, passkeys work by using your biometric data as your login 'fingerprint.' For example, you could use the Touch ID button on a Mac or a facial recognition scanner on your smartphone to log in to your account. No typing required.

—digitaltrends.com

Examples of passkey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Users are three times more successful signing in with passkeys than with passwords (98% versus 32%). —Davey Winder, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Far more secure and reliable than conventional passwords, passkeys enable automatic sign-ins to websites and apps using facial recognition, fingerprint authentication or a physical security key. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

So is the messaging provided during the passkey enrollment phase. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

Adhering to Google’s critical recommendations around passwords and MFA, the use of passkeys, and safe browsing will go a long way to keeping you safe. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

passkey

noun

pass·​key ˈpas-ˌkē 

1

: a key for opening two or more locks

2

: skeleton key