code

1 of 2

noun

plural codes
1
: a systematic statement of a body of law
especially : one given statutory force
2
: a system of principles or rules
moral code
3
a
: 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 Tisdale
This 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
5
: instructions for a computer (as within a piece of software)
writing code for a new app
codeless adjective

code

2 of 2

verb

coded; coding

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.
codable 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While medical businesses had an advantage in the transition to retail, the state reserved the first round of new recreational licenses for people from Zip codes that were disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. Scott Clement, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Restricting super apps Apple forces app developers to write code specifically for its operating system, restricting developers from coding using universal languages that could offer a single app experience across any device. David Goldman, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 The move will put regulations in city code for the program. Stacy Ryburn, arkansasonline.com, 20 Mar. 2024 Its guardrails can even be broken using certain prompts that act like cheat codes, letting players roam otherwise inaccessible areas. Patrick House, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024 The The unit converts the data to binary code – consisting of zeros and ones, the simplest form of computer code – then transmits that code to Earth, using Voyager's 12-foot antenna dish. George Petras, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 That increased significantly more than the number of companies reporting the use of gen AI to write new code. Robert Stevens, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 The City of Milwaukee is considering changes to its zoning code that would encourage more density, though not mid- or high-rises, in residential neighborhoods. Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 Neither the code, nor the city website, lays out a process for members of the public to put their name up for consideration. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024
Verb
Russell then coded two hours later at 10:50 p.m. and died that night — allegedly 16 hours into Sampson’s work day. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Michael Calore: Some artificially intelligent agent that has been coded with biases apparently. Michael Calore Lauren Goode, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 That said, they were determined to recreate the home’s aesthetic while bringing it up to code and installing the best technology possible that wasn’t visible to the naked eye. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 And in Sophie’s home state of Mississippi, the law explicitly allows private insurers to refuse to cover anything coded with gender dysphoria. Hannah Murphy Winter, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 Focusing on particular neighborhoods and highly trafficked hot-spots to code one’s curbs is a great starting point for many cities to begin their digital curb journey. Regina Clewlow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Earlier computer coding options, including FORTRAN, BASIC and others, worked well with straightforward processes but often required complicated steps to execute more challenging functions. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Their work is chock full of messages that are coded in an IYKYK experience. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 The company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with coding assistance, setting a new standard for efficiency and quality in software development. Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'code.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed originally from wooden tablets

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1815, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of code was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near code

Cite this Entry

“Code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

code

1 of 2 noun
1
: a collection of laws arranged in some orderly way
criminal code
2
: a system of principles or rules
moral code
3
a
: a system of signals for communicating
b
: a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4
5
: a set of instructions for a computer

code

2 of 2 verb
coded; coding
: to put into the form or symbols of a code
coder noun

Medical Definition

code

1 of 2 noun

code

2 of 2 verb
coded; coding

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 proteinGina 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

Legal Definition

code

noun
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
Etymology

Noun

Old French, from Medieval Latin codex, from Latin caudex codex tree trunk, set of wood writing tablets, book

More from Merriam-Webster on code

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!