the right to enter
"The security guard denied us access to the building because we hadn't shown our badges yet."
the right to obtain or make use of or take advantage of something (as services or membership)
"After paying the annual fee, every member gains access to all the exclusive workshops and library resources."
a code (a series of characters or digits) that must be entered in some way (typed or dialed or spoken) to get the use of something (a telephone line or a computer or a local area network etc.)
"You need your security access before you can log into the company server."
(computer science) the operation of reading or writing stored information
"The server failed because a sudden power surge interrupted its access to the database during the backup process."
A way or means of approaching or entering; an entrance; a passage.
"The heavy snow blocked our access to the cabin, forcing us to find a different route around the hill."
In plain English: Access is the ability to get into or use something that you are allowed to reach.
"The new library card gives every student free access to the computer lab."
Usage: Use "access" as a noun to refer to the ability to approach, enter, or use something, such as having access to a secure building or gaining access to a computer system. It indicates the opportunity or right to get to a place or resource rather than describing the physical act of entering itself.
obtain or retrieve from a storage device; as of information on a computer
"Please wait while I access your files to download the report."
To gain or obtain access to.
"After waiting in line for an hour, we finally gained access to the museum's special exhibit."
In plain English: To access something means to get into it or use it, like logging into an app or opening a file on your computer.
"She finally got access to the locked file after her manager gave her the key."
Usage: Use the verb access only when you are physically entering a restricted place or system, such as accessing a building or a computer file. Avoid using it with general information or people, which should instead be followed by words like learn about, contact, or know.
The word "access" entered English from Middle French and Latin, originally meaning an attack or onslaught before shifting to refer to an approach or entrance. It has been in use since the early 14th century, with the specific sense of "entrance" appearing around 1380.