code word

C c

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [kohd wurd]
- /koʊd wɜrd/
- /kəʊd wɜːd/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [kohd wurd]
- /koʊd wɜrd/

Definitions of code word words

countable noun code word A code word is a word or phrase that has a special meaning, different from its normal meaning, for the people who have agreed to use it in this way. 3
countable noun code word A code word is a word or phrase that someone, especially a public figure, uses in order to avoid saying something else. 3
noun code word a word used to identify a classified plan, operation, etc 3
noun code word a word used to identify someone or something as genuine 3
noun code word a word that is known to mean something else 3
noun code word a word or phrase with a secret meaning, often, specif., one used to convey an idea or attitude that cannot be openly divulged because it is socially or politically unacceptable 3

See all 12 definitions of code word

Information block about the term

Origin of code word

First appearance:

before 1880

One of the 23% newest English words

First recorded in 1880-85

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Code word

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Code word

code word popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 46% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 59% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

code word usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for code word

noun code word

password — a secret word or expression used by authorized persons to prove their right to access, information, etc.
watchword — a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign.
code book — a book containing a list of code signals with their meanings, usually arranged alphabetically.

All 3 Synonyms of code word