Word
passkey
US/ˈpæski/
UK/pˈɑːski/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a special key or code that opens many different locks or gives you access to a private system. You use it to get into places or accounts that are usually protected.
n. a master key or digital credential that grants access to multiple locks or restricted electronic systems. In modern computing, it refers to a secure authentication method that replaces traditional passwords.
Examples
“The hotel manager uses a passkey to open every room.”
“After setting up a passkey on his phone, he could log into his bank account using only his fingerprint.”
“Security experts recommend transitioning from traditional passwords to passkeys, as they leverage public-key cryptography to provide significantly stronger protection against phishing attacks.”
Examples
simple
“The hotel manager uses a passkey to open every room.”
contextual
“After setting up a passkey on his phone, he could log into his bank account using only his fingerprint.”
complex
“Security experts recommend transitioning from traditional passwords to passkeys, as they leverage public-key cryptography to provide significantly stronger protection against phishing attacks.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “passkey” in context.
Verb
01. enter passkey
“Please enter your passkey on the keypad to deactivate the alarm system.”
verb + noun
02. generate passkey
“The app will generate a unique passkey for each login attempt.”
verb + noun
03. issue passkey
“The IT department will issue a passkey to all new employees on their first day.”
verb + noun
04. passkey expires
“Your temporary passkey expires in twenty-four hours, so please use it soon.”
noun + verb
05. passkey grants
“This specific passkey grants access to the server room and the main laboratory.”
noun + verb
06. revoke passkey
“The administrator had to revoke the passkey after the device was reported stolen.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. digital passkey
“You can now use a digital passkey to sign into your account without a password.”
adj + noun
08. master passkey
“The security team lost the master passkey, requiring all locks to be changed.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. request for passkey
“The system sent a request for a passkey to the user's registered mobile device.”
noun + prep + noun
10. act as a passkey
“In this context, your fingerprint will act as a passkey for the secure vault.”
11. gain access via passkey
“Unauthorized users attempted to gain access via a stolen passkey.”
12. reset your digital passkey
“If you forget your credentials, you may need to reset your digital passkey.”
Usage
Often used in both physical security and modern cybersecurity contexts.
Real-World Examples
“People in the UK have been urged to start ditching passwords in favour of passkeys, where available, as a way to secure their accounts online.” “The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has called time on the password – from now on, you should use a passkey.” “The NCSC advises individuals to choose passkeys instead of traditional passwords whenever possible.” “This week, Google announced that passkeys are now available for Google accounts across most major platforms.” Etymology
From pass + key.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/passkey