password

American  

[pas-wurd, pahs-] / ˈpæsˌwɜrd, ˈpɑs- /

noun

1. a secret word or expression used by authorized persons to prove their right to access, information, etc.

   Synonyms:

   watchword

2. a word or other string of characters, sometimes kept secret or confidential, that must be supplied by a user in order to gain full or partial access to a computer, computer system, or electronic device.

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password British  

/ ˈpɑːsˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a secret word, phrase, etc, that ensures admission or acceptance by proving identity, membership, etc

2. an action, quality, etc, that gains admission or acceptance

3. a sequence of characters used to gain access to a computer system

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Etymology

Origin of password

First recorded in 1810–20; pass + word

Example Sentences

NordVPN also offers threat protection and a password manager for those seeking additional security features.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

I changed the email and password associated with my PayPal account.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

According to Stratton, Lam, posing as a Google representative, called the investor and convinced the man to give up his password and security codes to prevent what Lam described as a hacking attempt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

They include private web browsers, encrypted messaging apps, password managers, tracker blockers and Virtual Private Networks.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

The password had evidently changed, however, for the stone gargoyle did not spring to life and jump aside, but stood frozen, glaring at Harry malevolently.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

• identification