password

noun

pass·​word ˈpas-ˌwərd How to pronounce password (audio)
plural passwords
Synonyms of passwordnext
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

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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.
Still, 23% said their organizations did not require multifactor authentication (MFA)—a login step beyond a password—across all applications and services. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 If someone unexpectedly asks for a password, verification code or payment, slow down. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Security features Ransomware and malware protection, cloud backup, phishing prevention and access to a password manager and their smart firewall. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 The keys use a USB device to store a private authentication key to complete the login process, thereby ditching digital-only passwords or passcodes that a hacker can steal. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for password

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Browse Nearby Words

passway
password
Passy
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Cite this Entry

“Password.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/password. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about password

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