keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

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 $199 Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt does have a keyway, along with a push button keypad for the touchscreen-adverse. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025

The roomy, backlit keyboard has a numeric keypad, the trademark TrackPoint cursor controller with three mouse buttons, and a midsized touchpad with a comfortable click. —PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024

The caller was reportedly alerted by their doorbell camera, which captured Budden allegedly attempting to enter a code into the neighbor’s keypad before returning to his own apartment across the hall. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 31 Dec. 2024

The clip showed Budden attempting to enter numbers onto the keypad multiple times before heading back to his residence across the hall. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad 

: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)