login

American  

[lawg-in, log-, lawg-in, log-] / ˈlɔgˌɪn, ˈlɒg-, ˌlɔgˈɪn, ˌlɒg- /

noun

1. the act of logging in to a database, mobile device, or computer, especially a multiuser computer or a remote or networked computer system.

   The program records the time of each login.

2. a username and password that allows a person to log in to a computer system, network, mobile device, or user account.

   I’ve forgotten my login again!

---

verb (used without object)

1. log in.

   Login with your new password.

Usage

Many who are neither professionals in the computer field nor amateur tech enthusiasts condemn the use of the solid form login as a verb, and with good reason. It doesn’t behave like a normal verb. You cannot say you have loginned, and you are never in the process of loginning. Moreover, you cannot even ask someone to login you; you must ask that person to log you in. Clearly, it is the two-word phrase log in that functions fully as an English verb, not the solid form. Normally, we would expect the verb phrase log in and the noun login to behave in the same way as similar pairs: blow out/blowout, crack down/crackdown, hang up/hangup, splash down/splashdown, turn off/turnoff, where the two-word phrase is a verb and the one-word form is a noun. And yet, this gluing together of terms like login, logon, backup, and setup as verbs is common, especially in writing about computers. Not for everyone, though; some well-known software companies, for example, carefully maintain the distinction in their programs and documentation. The wisest course is to find out what the standard is among those for whom you’re writing, and follow it.

Etymology

Origin of login

First recorded in 1965–70

Compare meaning

How does login compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sign-in vs. login

Example Sentences

“Attempts to resolve these technical concerns with ACE Help Desk support have been slow, and certain login or other ACE account issues for importers remain unresolved.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Hackers more often break into companies using previously discovered bugs, or by stealing login credentials or using social engineering techniques.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Both versions are easy to use, featuring a one-click connect button for instant protection and a QR code login option for mobile devices.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Most hacks involve a victim downloading a piece of malicious software or being tricked into handing over login details.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

“I need you to use Radar’s login to the student directory and look up an address. Chuck Parson.”

From "Paper Towns" by John Green