code name

¹ American  

[kohd neym] / ˈkoʊd ˌneɪm /

noun

1. a name assigned to conceal the real identity of a person, as a spy, or to conceal the existence or purpose of a plan, military operation, etc.

2. Also called code phrase.  a word or phrase assigned a meaning understood only by those who are secretly informed of it.

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code-name ² American  

[kohd-neym] / ˈkoʊdˌneɪm /

verb (used with object)

code-named, code-naming

1. to assign a code name to.

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Etymology

Origin of code name¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of code-name²

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

They referred to the possibility of their characters getting a call from Sweden by a code name: ABBA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

Goren allegedly worked alongside Ozgur Altun, known by the code name "Abu Yasir Al Turki".

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

The code name for the massive operation to catch Miller, in the summer and fall of 1984, was “Whipworm,” a reference to an intestinal parasite.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

The Israelis used the code name Philadelphi for the strip, while Egyptian officials call it Salah Al Din.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

She laughed at my stupidity for thinking it was—it is her code name.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein