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

See Examples For:

code word

Dillehay held herself out as an example of a woman who failed; she said she had dated men who were “flippant,” which appears to be her code word for fun.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

Lewis suggests creating a code word, a special password shared among loved ones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 19, 2026

In the age of deepfakes, every family needs a code word, writes Julie Jargon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025

North wants to remind parents and teachers that every generation has their secret code word.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 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