code word: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Espionage/Military
Quick answer
What does “code word” mean?
A word or phrase that has a secret or secondary meaning, used to communicate covertly or to identify members of a group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word or phrase that has a secret or secondary meaning, used to communicate covertly or to identify members of a group.
A word that is used to represent a concept, principle, or policy, often in an oblique or euphemistic way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Codeword' (closed) is slightly more prevalent in UK technical writing, while 'code word' (open) is slightly more common in US general usage, but both forms are acceptable in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with espionage, military operations, classified information, and puzzle-solving. In political/business contexts, can carry a slightly negative connotation of obfuscation or jargon.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation. Higher frequency in technical, security, military, and political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “code word” in a Sentence
[Subject] + use/establish/give + [codeword] + (to + [recipient])[Codeword] + is/was + for + [purpose/concept]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “code word” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The agent gave a codeword response.
- It was a codeword-protected channel.
American English
- The agent gave a code word response.
- It was a code-word-protected channel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'Sustainability' has become a codeword for cost-cutting in some boardrooms.
Academic
Used in linguistics (semiotics), history, and political science to analyse covert or loaded language.
Everyday
Used in games, puzzles, and simple security contexts (e.g., a family codeword for children's safety).
Technical
Precise term in cryptography, communications, and military/espionage for a word with a predefined secret meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “code word”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “code word”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “code word”
- Confusing 'codeword' with 'password' (the latter is typically for authentication/access, not for conveying a hidden message).
- Using 'codeword' to mean any technical jargon term.
- Incorrectly hyphenating as 'code-word'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A password is usually a secret string of characters for authentication (logging in). A codeword is a word with a secret or secondary meaning used to convey a hidden message or identify someone covertly.
Yes, both 'codeword' (closed compound) and 'code word' (open compound) are accepted, though style guides may differ. The single-word form is more common in technical contexts.
It is often used critically to suggest that a common term is a euphemism for something less palatable. For example: 'For some politicians, 'economic reform' is a codeword for reducing public services.'
Rarely in modern computing, where 'keyword', 'token', or 'password' are preferred. It survives in historical contexts (e.g., early computing) and in the specific field of cryptographic communications.
A word or phrase that has a secret or secondary meaning, used to communicate covertly or to identify members of a group.
Code word is usually formal, technical, espionage/military in register.
Code word: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊd wɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊd wɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Codeword for...' (used to suggest a hidden meaning, e.g., 'Restructuring' is often a codeword for job losses.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CODE that needs a WORD to unlock it. The word itself is the key to the hidden code.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A KEY. A codeword is a linguistic key that unlocks a hidden meaning or level of access.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'codeword' used most precisely and literally?