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.
Prudent families can also come up with a code word to use in an emergency which a scammer will never know. Steve Weisman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Finally, the correct authenticator code word matched what was in my hands. Steve Koester, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 This isn’t the first time online communities have attempted to use phrases or code words to organize. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025 The singer’s name has been used as a meth code word for decades, with a New York Post article from 2005 noting its use even then by Craigslist dealers. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Code word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code%20word. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on code word

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!