keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad How to pronounce keypad (audio)
1
: a small set of keys that is part of a larger keyboard or another device (such as a telephone or calculator)
The keyboards of costly computers … usually have a separate numeric keypad in addition to the usual numerals in the top row of any keyboard.Consumer Reports
This lets you operate your centrally located audio/video gear from anywhere in the house, either by a handheld remote control or a keypad built into the wall.Video Review
2
: a small, usually numerical keyboard
Deactivate the alarm by punching a code into the keypad mounted inside the house.
Using a handheld keypad, the salesperson presses a three-digit code to find specific tracks. For example, "147" might be a segment with maintenance tips for the Cadillac diesel engine.Jane Wollman

Examples of keypad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The company debuted its new retrofit lock at the IFA 2023 tech show last summer; showcasing its Matter-over-Thread connectivity and separate Bluetooth keypad with a fingerprint reader and NFC built in. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 27 Feb. 2024 Light follows you through the chalet, turning on automatically where needed, and the secure automatic sliding doors to the spa require keypad access and open in a distinctly science fiction-esque manner with a pleasing whoosh. Tom Weijand, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2024 Abode's smart home security system just got better with a new $129.99 smart lock that fits over your existing hardware for easy installation and comes with a keypad and fingerprint reader. Josh Hendrickson, PCMAG, 1 Feb. 2024 Later, he was asked to put numbers into his phone's keypad. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 16 Jan. 2024 There are four programmable height presets, and the dual motors and three-stage lift columns are made to ensure smooth, quiet operation, which was both easy and quiet to maneuver, in addition to the keypad being simple to operate. Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024 Numeric keypads disappeared in part, for example, because most laptop sizes cannot easily accommodate them. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 3 Oct. 2023 The grant was used for new fences, an electric gate for easier parking access and a keypad entry to enclose the club property and prevent unauthorized access. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2023 The Ducky Shine is a full-sized mechanical keyboard with a 10-key numerical keypad. Ars Staff, Ars Technica, 7 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'keypad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of keypad was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near keypad

Cite this Entry

“Keypad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keypad. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

keypad

noun
key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad How to pronounce keypad (audio)
: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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