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
AeroPress: The maker of portable coffee makers has 20% off its products on Sunday (Use code: NATIONALCOFFEEDAY). Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024 The polished high-tech ceramic case and crown with a matching ceramic, another code of the Rado brand, give a polished look that reflects both light and movement of the nighttime. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 28 Sep. 2024
Verb
This includes training developers on secure coding practices, utilizing secure libraries and frameworks, and employing secret scanning tools to identify potential secret exposure before code is deployed. Isaac Madan, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Navarrete, a professor of coding and computer information systems at Cal State Dominguez Hills from Mexico, and Arroyo, a former film critic from Spain, both volunteered at the school’s book fair. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for code 

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 10 Oct. 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

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