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

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

A: A touchless faucet is a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you do a lot of hands-on food preparation and you want to keep the faucet a little cleaner.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Many transit systems around the country have joined in on touchless payment systems, which have become more popular during the pandemic.

From Washington Post • Jun. 18, 2022

All would be dark to his eyes, all silent to his ears, all tasteless to his mouth, all odorless to his nostrils, all touchless to his skin.

From The Mind and Its Education by Betts, George Herbert