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

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

The mention of a cover proved to be the code word, triggering the attention of the girl who introduced herself in a childlike whisper as Norma Jeane Dougherty. — Joshua John Miller, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026

When the MPKs didn’t know the Marines’ secret code word, the Marines slaughtered them and then shrugged and walked away from all their dead bodies to stay on mission (as in, kill more Marsies). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 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