alphanumeric
adjective
al·pha·nu·mer·ic
ˌal-fə-nu̇-ˈmer-ik 
-nyu̇-
variants
or less commonly alphanumerical
1
: consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols)
an alphanumeric code
also
: being a character in an alphanumeric system
2
: capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters
Did you know?
Alphanumeric passwords are much harder for a hacker to crack than plain alphabetic passwords, since the number of possible combinations is so much greater. License plates usually contain both letters and numbers, since, for a big state or country, the plate wouldn't be large enough to fit enough numbers for everyone. In computing, the standard alphanumeric codes, such as ASCII, may contain not only ordinary letters and numerals but also punctuation marks and math symbols.
Examples of alphanumeric in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Use a strong, unique alphanumeric password: Some users use the default password provided by the manufacturer, which leaves those devices as primary targets for hackers.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Sep. 2024
Custodians play a key role in the crypto market, helping clients safeguard private keys, which are the alphanumeric codes required to unlock access to digital assets and authorize transactions.
—Ryan Browne, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024
The Taiwanese company began operations in 1995 and sells alphanumeric pagers as well as the kind of beepers that alert customers in restaurants that their order is ready.
—Greg McKenna, Fortune Asia, 18 Sep. 2024
American passport numbers were previously nine digits, but since the State Department began issuing the Next Generation Passport in 2021, passport numbers are alphanumeric codes that begin with a single letter and end with a string of eight digits.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alphanumeric 
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Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Sep. 2024
Custodians play a key role in the crypto market, helping clients safeguard private keys, which are the alphanumeric codes required to unlock access to digital assets and authorize transactions.
—Ryan Browne, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024
The Taiwanese company began operations in 1995 and sells alphanumeric pagers as well as the kind of beepers that alert customers in restaurants that their order is ready.
—Greg McKenna, Fortune Asia, 18 Sep. 2024
American passport numbers were previously nine digits, but since the State Department began issuing the Next Generation Passport in 2021, passport numbers are alphanumeric codes that begin with a single letter and end with a string of eight digits.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alphanumeric
Dictionary Entries Near alphanumeric
Cite this Entry
“Alphanumeric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphanumeric. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
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