two-factor authentication

noun

two-fac·​tor authentication ˈtü-ˈfak-tər- How to pronounce two-factor authentication (audio)
: a method of verifying the identity of a person (as for granting access to a system) by requiring a password and an additional form of authorization (such as a code, a fingerprint, or a smartphone app)
—abbreviation 2FA compare multi-factor authentication

Examples of two-factor authentication 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.
GitHub says that users should enable two-factor authentication and add a passkey for good measure by way of account protection. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Some banks that use two-factor authentication, a text code or QR code scan at login, may not connect automatically. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 1 July 2026 All one needed to do was ask the Meta AI bot to link the target account with a new email address—no two-factor authentication necessary. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Priority items include setting up credit report monitoring, enabling fraud alerts, and turning on two-factor authentication for your online banking. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for two-factor authentication

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-factor authentication was in 1990

Rhymes for two-factor authentication

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Browse Nearby Words

two-faced
two-factor authentication
two-family house
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Cite this Entry

“Two-factor authentication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-factor%20authentication. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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