cloak-and-dagger

adjective

cloak-and-dag·​ger ˈklōk-ən(d)-ˈda-gər How to pronounce cloak-and-dagger (audio)
: dealing in or suggestive of melodramatic intrigue and action usually involving secret agents and espionage
a cloak-and-dagger novel
cloak-and-dagger noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But this is not a black-bag operation in a war zone or cloak-and-dagger spy games in Cold War–era East Berlin. The Editors, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cloak-and-dagger.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cloak-and-dagger was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near cloak-and-dagger

Cite this Entry

“Cloak-and-dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloak-and-dagger. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on cloak-and-dagger

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