code word
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noun
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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Origin of code word
First recorded in 1880–85
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use code word in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for code word
codeword
/ (ˈkəʊdˌwɜːd) /
noun
(esp in military use) a word used to identify a classified plan, operation, etcAlso: codename
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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