authenticator

American  

[aw-then-ti-key-ter] / ɔˈθɛn tɪˌkeɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that authenticates.

2. Cryptography. a code used to authenticate a previously transmitted code.

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Etymology

Origin of authenticator

First recorded in 1860–65; authenticate + -or ²

Example Sentences

The bag is ready for purchase where it would previously also be reviewed by a more senior authenticator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Justin Ferretti, a top-level authenticator, also smells the leather and removes the gloves that workers in this area of the warehouse tend to wear to feel the leather.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

He also recommended adding a PIN number to the sim card, which can be done in a phone's settings, and the use of authenticator apps to generate random codes, instead of ones sent by text.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2025

But some, like OpenAI’s tool and Microsoft’s authenticator, are only available to selected partners and not the public.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

But here among America’s governors and statesmen was a simple authenticator of humane ideals.

From The Invisible Censor by Hackett, Francis