code word

American  

noun

1. code name.

2. 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.”

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Etymology

Origin of code word

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Only share the code word with close and trusted family members, and do it in person or over the phone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

If you worry you’ll forget the code word, you could store it in a password manager.

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

A “clean CR”—a little code word they use for these kinds of bills—is one sentence.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2025

Emma wasn’t sure if it was because he’d had to claim in public that he liked lima beans, or if he was afraid someone else in the school office would overhear their secret code word.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix