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 of password

• 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

According to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, her birth year was his phone password. —Samantha Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Many of today’s speakeasies require a password to enter, often found on the bar’s social media accounts, but not Alibi. —Sarah Gilliland, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

In other security news, OpenAI is ditching passwords in favor of hardware security keys, which is a welcome change considering how valuable ChatGPT accounts can be, especially for those willing to shell out money for pro-level accounts. —Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026

The detective wrote that the scheme required multiple conspirators with access to Social Security numbers, birthdays and passwords. —Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026

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