code word

noun

1

: code name

2

: euphemism

Examples of code word in a Sentence

The code word “conflict” has been used for what some people are calling a war.

Recent Examples on the Web

To avoid ambiguity, no string can belong to different code words’ spheres. — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Some couples and families even choose a code word that means the conversation is pausing, Wilson says—not that the relationship is disappearing. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

According to the Daily Mail, Baldoni and Swift actually communicated after the end of his dispute with Lively, and the two now share a code word when talking about the issue. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026

If someone claims there is an accident, arrest, hospital bill or urgent money problem, the code word gives your family a fast way to know whether the call is real. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for code word

• afterword
• firebird
• hummingbird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird