passport

noun

pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpȯrt 

plural passports

1

a

: a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad

b

: a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : safe-conduct

c

: a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country

2

a

: a permission or authorization to go somewhere

b

: something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment

education as a passport to success

see also vaccine passport

Synonyms

• gateway
• key
• open sesame
• secret
• ticket

Examples of passport in a Sentence

meeting that movie director could be your passport to a big acting career

to its followers, the cult seemed like their passport to heaven

Recent Examples on the Web

While many of the allegations that are extensively detailed in the committee findings have been reported on for years, the allegation about Gaetz improperly using his office to obtain a passport for the woman is new. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2024

Whether your New Year’s wish is to add more stamps to your passport, spend more time in nature, hone your ski skills, or learn a new sport altogether, REI is a one-stop shop for all things active and outdoorsy. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2024

Still, some passport services could be limited, if they are located in buildings run by another agency that is inoperational. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

The National Park of American Samoa was their final park, and Joy needed a passport to reach it. —Hannah Freedman, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) pasport, from Middle French passeport, from passer to pass + port port, from Latin portus — more at ford

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing passport

• vaccine passport

Kids Definition

passport

noun

pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpō(ə)rt 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: a government-issued document that serves to identify a citizen and allows him or her to travel to foreign countries

2

: something that allows a person to reach a desired goal

education can be a passport to a successful future