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

Southwest began testing new boarding months before assigned seating was announced using the code name Project USA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

The latter is salient because the name Oracle comes from the code name of a CIA-funded project that Ellison worked on.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

He said company lawyers had come up with a code name for the deal — Project USA — to help maintain a level of secrecy.

From New York Times • May 1, 2024

Geopolitically, things seem to have deteriorated, which created an interesting milieu for my spy — code name Kane — to inhabit.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

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

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin