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.

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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

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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

Ultimately, it will be a much more effective, streamlined experience and faster process to complete the TSA journey because the new biometric systems enable touchless, paperless identify verification, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025

The equipment, called touchless tech because it doesn’t require a spa therapist, can also be reserved à la carte.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2023

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

"The bathroom is a place where you have your hands full, or wet, or with cream on them, so.. the mirror is touchless - you just have to gesture in front of it," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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