passport

noun

pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce passport (audio)
plural passports
1
a
: a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad
b
: a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : safe-conduct
c
: a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country
2
a
: a permission or authorization to go somewhere
b
: something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment
education as a passport to success

see also vaccine passport

Examples of passport in a Sentence

meeting that movie director could be your passport to a big acting career to its followers, the cult seemed like their passport to heaven
Recent Examples on the Web The Ukrainian teenager was given a Russian passport and sent to a Russian school. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 For skiers and snowboarders who dream of hitting a smorgasbord of mountains come wintertime, the Ikon Pass is like a passport to a kingdom of potential adventures. Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2024 There is no convenience fee when purchasing a passport for a moped. Detroit Free Press, 12 Mar. 2024 In those areas, for instance, access to social services and health care is conditional on holding a Russian passport, and those without one after July 1 will be considered foreign citizens or stateless people and could be subject to deportation, the report said. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Kwon and another South Korean were arrested at Montenegro’s Podgorica Airport on March 23, while trying to depart for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, using fake Costa Rican passports. Predrag Milic, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 The Currys were released on bond and ordered to turn in their passports by the court. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Being on the hook for a traveler who can’t find their passport or neglected to check its expiration date. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 With a birth certificate, Teresa and Jeff can get JJ a Social Security number and a passport. Ellie Silverman, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) pasport, from Middle French passeport, from passer to pass + port port, from Latin portus — more at ford

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passport was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near passport

Cite this Entry

“Passport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passport. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

passport

noun
pass·​port ˈpas-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce passport (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: a government-issued document that serves to identify a citizen and allows him or her to travel to foreign countries
2
: something that allows a person to reach a desired goal
education can be a passport to a successful future

More from Merriam-Webster on passport

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