code word

noun

Examples of code word in a Sentence

The code word “conflict” has been used for what some people are calling a war.
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.
Rana recommends coming up with a secret code word to use with your family. Audrey Nguyen, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024 The guidelines had the opposite effect, encouraging streamers to lead with the code words they’d been barred from: a push against standards meant to actually censor players. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024 The 22-year-old posted a picture on social media with a meeting room white board in the background and, on the white board, code words for plays used by the Lions were included in the photo. Andy Scholes, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Merchant allegedly used fabric weights as code words for different parts of the crime. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for code word 

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of code word was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near code word

Cite this Entry

“Code word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code%20word. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on code word

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