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

“That’s their code name for the invasion of Britain. Could come anytime. Enjoy your breakfast.”

From Literature

The title of the invitation was "Send project Dawn email," an apparent reference to Amazon's code name for the job cuts.

From BBC

They referred to the possibility of their characters getting a call from Sweden by a code name: ABBA.

From The Wall Street Journal

Goren allegedly worked alongside Ozgur Altun, known by the code name "Abu Yasir Al Turki".

From Barron's

In others, they appeared to refer to the woman Summers was attracted to by a code name: “peril.”

From The Wall Street Journal