code

noun

Save Word

\ ˈkōd

plural codes

Definition of code

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a systematic statement of a body of law especially : one given statutory force

2 : a system of principles or rules moral code

3a : a system of signals or symbols for communication

b : a system of symbols (such as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings

c : coded language : a word or phrase chosen in place of another word or phrase in order to communicate an attitude or meaning without stating it explicitly The strategy also appealed to blue-collar workers in the Northeast and Northwest who were opposed to "forced bussing." This was expressed in code as favoring "law and order" and opposing "crime in the streets."— Elizabeth Drew —usually used with for I hear the word "development" a lot in public speech; politicians and activists use it as code for a lot of things—jobs, health care, a change in leadership.— Sallie TisdaleThis quarter-century of Republican momentum was reversed finally by Bill Clinton, who called himself a "New Democrat," code for "not a liberal."— Joshua Muravchik

4 : genetic code

5 : instructions for a computer (as within a piece of software) writing code for a new app

code

verb

coded; coding

Definition of code (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to put in or into the form or symbols of a code

intransitive verb

1 : to specify the genetic code a gene that codes for a protein

2 : to create or edit computer code She got a job coding for Google.

Other Words from code Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing code Learn More About code

Other Words from code

Noun

codeless \ ˈkōd-ləs

\ adjective

Verb

codable \ ˈkō-də-bəl

\ adjective

coder noun

Examples of code in a Sentence

Noun Everyone in the organization has to follow its code of ethics. The army has a strict code of conduct. The enemy was unable to break the army's secret code. The message was sent in code. Every item in the store has a product code. Enter your security code to access the computer. Each employee is given a code number. He was hired to write programming code. Verb The general sent a coded message. Each product has been coded. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun To protect APIs requires rich context—APIs are not just straight code. — Roey Eliyahu, Forbes, 29 June 2022 Like all retail websites, H&M’s contains placeholder text in its code to accompany data about a particular product that’s usually fetched from a database. — Amanda Shendruk, Quartz, 29 June 2022 Her health code was not green, but yellow -- a status that meant she was not cleared to travel within the city under local rules that rely on the codes, now ubiquitous in China, to control who can move where. — Simone Mccarthy, CNN, 27 June 2022 Coinbase’s pitch was simple: a QR code that bounced around the screen like a DVD screen saver. — Francesca Fontana, WSJ, 18 June 2022 There is no promo code required as long as players click on any of the links on this page. — Xl Media, cleveland, 10 June 2022 There is no cheat code for greatness, but Apple TV’s Greatness Code feature digestibly short episodes centered around some of the world’s best athletes telling untold stories of moments that defined their careers. — Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 25 May 2022 This is the code the Heat now must crack, the one that includes Marcus Smart and Al Horford. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2022 This is her code for taking the vomit-inducing trip to some unknown galaxy. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and it is not yet confirmed whether or not the building was up to code. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 20 May 2022 Another great option for little ones, CodeMonkey is an online community that helps kid with no prior experience learn how to code. — Corinne Sullivan, Woman's Day, 6 May 2022 Beyond its influence on internet culture, the platform shaped today’s generation of engineers: many former teen girl Tumblr users credit the community with inspiring them to learn to code. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2022 The first group comprises of people who are looking for a specific course on a specific topic, such as learning to code or marketing their business or becoming a better public speaker. — Mila Smart Semeshkina, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Learning to code has many benefits that can help kids out later in life, too. — Corinne Sullivan, Woman's Day, 6 May 2022 Designed for ages 8 and up, Artie Max teaches kids how to code in C++, Blockly, JavaScript, Python and Snap! — Danielle Directo-meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 May 2022 Discouraged by the lack of stability as a freelance musician, Butler began learning to code before nationwide lockdowns. — Makeda Easter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2022 Prime members can use coupon code PDDOT2K to get these fourth-generation speakers for $49.98. — Jon Winkler, USA TODAY, 17 June 2021 See More

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

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Dictionary Entries Near code

coddle

code

codebook

Statistics for code

Last Updated

3 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for code

code

noun

\ ˈkōd

Kids Definition of code

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a system of rules or principles a code of conduct

2 : a system of signals or letters and symbols with special meanings used for sending messages

3 : a collection of laws criminal code

4 : genetic code

5 : a set of instructions for a computer

code

verb

coded; coding

Kids Definition of code (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put in the form of a code

code

noun

\ ˈkōd

Medical Definition of code

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : genetic code

2 : code blue

code

verb

coded; coding

Medical Definition of code (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to specify the genetic code for an amino acid coded by a nucleotide sequence

intransitive verb

1 : to specify the genetic code the DNA sequence of the gene that codes for that protein— Gina B. Kolata

2 : to experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure They were taking her up to the operating room and she coded in the hallway. The resuscitation effort was heroic.— Perri Klass, Discover

code

noun

Legal Definition of code

1 : a systematic compilation or revision of law or legal principles that is arranged especially by subject: as

a : one that contains the law of a specific jurisdiction or topic promulgated by legislative authority U.S. Code Code of Massachusetts Regulations building code — compare case law, digest, statute

b : one that serves as a model for legislation but is not itself a law Model Penal Code

2 : a set of rules or regulations that is promulgated by a body (as a professional organization) and that regulates its industrial or professional practices ABA Code of Professional Responsibility