code word

noun

Definition of code word

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

The commission’s discussion was couched in what some would regard as code words and never directly addressed race or income. — Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, ProPublica, "Separated by Design: How Some of America’s Richest Towns Fight Affordable Housing," 22 May 2019 Strzok was part of the Mid-Year Exam team at the FBI—the bureau’s code word for the Clinton investigation. — Adam Shaw, Fox News, "Gohmert doubles down after FBI dismisses claim of Clinton server hack," 30 Aug. 2018 Type in the code word from the June/July issue and enter here to win! — Seventeen Magazine, Seventeen, "Win a $1000 Smooth N' Shine Gift Card!," 31 July 2011 Also see how Hayes corrals, among others, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Maxine Waters, Emily Dickinson, Prince and Eurydice as shields, as code words, to repel would-be assassins. — Walton Muyumba, latimes.com, "The right poetry collection for right now: Terrance Hayes' 'American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin'," 14 June 2018 From the start, Trump sought to make Clinton's stamina and endurance -- both code words for her overall health -- an issue in the campaign. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, "Here's 4 reasons why Donald Trump faking a doctor's note actually matters," 2 May 2018 Match scans for suspicious code words, and immediately takes down profiles reported for violations. — John D. Mckinnon, WSJ, "New Law Targets Sex Trafficking. It Could Also Hit Online Dating," 30 May 2018 What code words: colors, animals, cities, states—every team is different. — Andy Benoit, SI.com, "The Secrets of a Linebacker," 16 May 2018 The president has instead opted for gradualism, which is a code word for soft-pedaling the sad facts. — Mary Anastasia O’grady, WSJ, "The Argentine Peso’s Death Spiral," 13 May 2018

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