# biometrics

/bˌaɪəʊmˈɛtɹɪks/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/biometrics
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the use of physical or behavioral features, like your fingerprint or voice, to identify who you are. It is often used for security or to unlock your phone.

For teachers: the automated recognition of individuals based on their physiological or behavioral characteristics. Often used in security systems for authentication purposes.

## Examples

- The new phone uses biometrics to unlock the screen.
- The airport introduced biometrics to speed up the check-in process and reduce the need for physical passports.
- Advancements in biometrics have shifted from simple fingerprint scanning to sophisticated facial recognition and voice analysis, significantly enhancing the security of digital banking platforms.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.