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.

---

Other Word Forms

• reauthentication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of authentication

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

authentication

Improving cybersecurity practices such as using two-factor authentication for devices is a start.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

The commission found that a lack of safeguards, including poor management of authentication signing keys and access controls, had resulted in the personal data of around 37.5 million users being exposed.

From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026

"Inadequate basic safeguards, including poor management of authentication signing keys and lax access controls" caused the personal data of around 37.5 million users to be exposed, the commission said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026

Investigations found that a former Chinese software developer at Coupang retained an authentication key after leaving the company, enabling unauthorized access for about a year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

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

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• certification
• verification