passkey

American  

[pas-kee, pahs-] / ˈpæsˌki, ˈpɑs- /

noun

plural

passkeys

1. master key.

2. skeleton key.

3. a private key.

4. a latchkey.

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passkey British  

/ ˈpɑːsˌkiː /

noun

1. any of various keys, esp a latchkey

2. another term for master key skeleton key

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Etymology

Origin of passkey

First recorded in 1810–20; pass + key ¹

Example Sentences

And McConachie says growing support for the passkey - including with the UK Government's adoption of them across digital services last year - shows "this isn't just a niche trend".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

If an app or website you regularly use offers to set up a login passkey, click “yes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

And though the book has its shortcomings, he rightly sees the movie as a kind of passkey into the history of the first half-century of Hollywood itself, warts and all.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025

"The latest tool offered by some browsers and devices is the passkey... 2FA is better than a password only, but we must be mindful of fatigue and mindlessly clicking 'approve.'"

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2024

He had a passkey, entered, and called ahead to Dona Luz.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols