password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd How to pronounce password (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s nothing to stop an attacker using your password and 2FA code on their own device. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Have a lot of TVs and not a lot of time to program in all of your streaming service passwords? K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 Keep any backup cards in your hotel safe and store a secure digital record of your card details in a password manager. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Google will never send unsolicited messages asking for your password or other personal information. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for password

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of password was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Password.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/password. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

password

noun
pass·​word -ˌwərd How to pronounce password (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on password

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