authentication

American  

[aw-then-ti-key-shuhn] / ɔˌθɛn tɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of establishing something as genuine or authoritative.

   The requisite authentication was performed on each piece before it was donated to the museum.

2. Also called electronic authentication.  Digital Technology. the act or process of establishing identity and verifying permission to access an electronic device or computer network (often used attributively): biometric authentication;

   password authentication;

   biometric authentication;

   authentication credentials.

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Other Word Forms

• reauthentication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of authentication

First recorded in 1600–20; authenticat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

They log in to the borrower’s account and request a password change, which will send a two-factor authentication code to the borrower.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Like passwords, passkeys are a form of authentication to make sure it is you trying to access an account.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The process works much like two-factor authentication on a banking website.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

While palm, face or iris payment and authentication aren’t widespread in the U.S., more commercial trials are popping up, and this type of biometric technology has the potential to proliferate over the next few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

"I needed authentication from the Attorney General," said the Warden.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• certification
• verification