password

[ pas-wurd, pahs- ]

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.

password

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of password¹

First recorded in 1810–20; pass none + word none

Example Sentences

An engineer's password problem hampered efforts to resolve Bank Holiday airport chaos caused by a flight data fault, a report has said.

From BBC

The very nature of crypto means that recovery is not as easy as resetting your password.

From BBC

The game show host on NBC’s “Password” reboot who is often so delighted for contestants that it seems as if she has personally just won thousands of dollars.

From Los Angeles Times

Gamified activities can make lessons interactive and engaging — for example, turn spotting phishing emails into a treasure hunt or host a "password showdown" to see who can create the most secure login.

From Salon

Password managers simplify the process, allowing children to create and store complex passwords without memorization.

From Salon

Related Words

• identification