plaintext

noun

plain·​text ˈplān-ˌtekst How to pronounce plaintext (audio)
: the intelligible form of an encrypted text or of its elements compare ciphertext

Examples of plaintext in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The same is true of the plaintext originals of files encrypted by EncryptPro. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026 Common programming languages such as Python or Rust, which contain roughly understandable plaintext commands for arithmetic operations, didn’t exist back then. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 12 May 2026 The complaint also noted that Meta employees receive plaintext WhatsApp messages that are reported to the company by fellow WhatsApp users. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026 According to the company, five vulnerabilities were eventually fixed, including the use of plaintext passwords and the ability to remotely access and interact with the Bluvoyix platform. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plaintext

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaintext was in 1918

Rhymes for plaintext

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Browse Nearby Words

plaint
plaintext
plaintful
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Cite this Entry

“Plaintext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaintext. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plaintext

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plaintext

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