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

Google has confirmed that Gmail attacks are surging, as hackers steal passwords to gain access to accounts. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Use stronger passwords and two-factor authorization - Create a long password with letters, numbers and characters. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025

Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Hinton has also been a proponent of increasing AI regulation, arguing that beyond the broad fears of superintelligence posting a threat to humanity, the technology could post cybersecurity risks, including by investing ways to identify people’s passwords. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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