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.
Similarly, 35 percent of iPhone owners reported using unique passwords for each online account, while 41 percent of Android users did the same. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 In late May, the victim escaped the apartment where he was allegedly being held after agreeing to provide his password, which was stored on his laptop in another room, prosecutors said. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025 As SharePoint is often connected to core services such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, the attacks can lead directly to password harvesting and data theft. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 July 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 29 Jul. 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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