password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd 

plural passwords

1

: something that enables one to pass or gain admission: such as

a

: a spoken word or phrase required to pass by a guard

b

: a sequence of characters required for access to a computer system or digital device compare passcode

2

: watchword

Synonyms

• word

Examples of password in a Sentence

You need to enter your password to check your e-mail.

the password for the all-night rave will be changed next week

Recent Examples on the Web

Anyone who possesses the right credentials (username, password, MFA) is granted broad access based on the outdated assumption that being on the network equals being trusted. —Steve Riley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

And when using a password to sign in to an app or website that supports passkeys, those apps will automatically be able to generate a passkey for that account and add it to the user's password manager. —ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025

Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Suffice to say, posting them publicly is very much like posting a password where anyone can get to it. —Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for password

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

password

noun

pass·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard

2

: a secret series of numbers or letters required for access to a computer