code word
Americannoun
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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
People who haven’t implemented a family code word have been burned by bad actors.
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
In an emergency they are supposed to say a code word, MAMAN, and speak directly to me in German.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
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.
