Passphrase
A passphrase is a secret made of multiple random words — often easier to type than a dense random password.
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A passphrase is typically several randomly chosen words joined by a separator. Done properly, it can match or exceed the strength of shorter character-soup passwords while remaining typeable.
How it works
Instead of picking one character at a time from a keyboard soup, you pick several words from a large list. Strength comes from list size × word count (see entropy and Diceware). Separators (-, ., spaces if allowed) help readability; they are not a substitute for randomness.
Why it matters for passwords
Usability affects security. People invent weak “complex” passwords when policy is hostile. Random passphrases help for master secrets and anything you must memorize — while site logins can stay as long random passwords inside a manager.
Practical example
orbit-velvet-lantern-copper is easier to type on a phone than kR$7nPx2mQw9vLbY, yet can still be strong if the words were chosen randomly from a large list — not taken from a favorite song lyric.
Related terms
Related reading
PassTip tip
Generate a passphrase · compare approaches in our passphrase vs password guide.