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.
Halbreich told me that prominent art institutions are already using code words, like community, to talk about diversity. Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025 These traffickers often use code words and emojis to avoid being detected by law enforcement or censored by platform guidelines. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 Vejar suggests planning your code word in advance for dangerous situations. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025 The first half hour is filled with the weirdly neutral techno jargon of soldiers jabbering code words into their headphones to what I (as a know-nothing) am tempted to call Mission Control. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Code word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code%20word. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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