code word
Americannoun
-
a euphemistic or politically acceptable catchword or phrase used instead of a blunter or less acceptable term.
The official report said the diplomats had a “frank and serious discussion”—code words for “angry argument.”
Etymology
Origin of code word
First recorded in 1880–85
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Don’t change the code word unless you need to.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025
Here are some tips on how to create and manage a family code word:
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025
North wants to remind parents and teachers that every generation has their secret code word.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025
The court heard that 'car' was their code word for gold.
From BBC • May 19, 2025
He told Judy that a bunch of fifth graders were making trouble and were not obeying teachers anymore, that there was something about a secret code word they were all using.
From "Frindle" by Andrew Clements
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
