code name

¹ American  

[kohd neym] / ˈkoʊd ˌneɪm /

noun

1. a name assigned to conceal the real identity of a person, as a spy, or to conceal the existence or purpose of a plan, military operation, etc.

2. Also called code phrase.  a word or phrase assigned a meaning understood only by those who are secretly informed of it.

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code-name ² American  

[kohd-neym] / ˈkoʊdˌneɪm /

verb (used with object)

code-named, code-naming

1. to assign a code name to.

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Etymology

Origin of code name¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of code-name²

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“Cities, towns, state capitals. The trick is for the codes to be new but easy to remember. ‘Springfield’ would be a good code name; nearly every state has a Springfield.

From Literature

Our job was not in itself complicated: Answer the line, match the code name to a number, insert the right plug into the right jack, connect the telephone call.

From Literature

She would have had no way of knowing that it was the code name I had forgotten.

From Literature

Hugo told me to think of a code name before my assignment.

From Literature

So choosing my code name is easy and I’ll tell Hugo next time I see him.

From Literature