touchless

American  

[tuhch-lis] / ˈtʌtʃ lɪs /

adjective

1. relating to or noting a device that begins to operate when it senses a person’s motion or presence, without needing to be touched.

   Put your pot or your hands under the touchless faucet and the water will turn on.

2. contactless.

---

touchless British  

/ ˈtʌtʃlɪs /

adjective

1. describing an electronic device which can be controlled by gesture or sound and does not require the user to touch a keypad, screen, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of touchless

First recorded in 1610–20 in the sense “having no sense of touch,” and in 1925–30 for current senses; touch ( def. ) + -less ( def. )

Example Sentences

Jobs become scarcer every year as car wash owners invest in touchless technologies — “We’ve been way ahead on how automation destroys jobs,” Melendrez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

But most on their crew were new, and many of them started out in hospitality at a time when service meant touchless ordering, policing face masks and staying as far from customers as possible.

From New York Times • May 30, 2023

Bottom line: If you decide to install a new touchless kitchen faucet, chances are you’ll find other “handy” features, as well.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Every New York subway station offers touchless card readers, allowing riders to tap their phone or credit card to an electronic reader.

From Washington Post • Jun. 18, 2022

But of course our touchless man would be devoid of any notion of resistance; and hence space, for him, would be altogether geometrical and devoid of body.

From Critiques and Addresses by Huxley, Thomas Henry