Definition of 'code name'

Word Frequency

code name

also codename also code-name

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense code names , present participle code naming , past tense, past participle code named

1. countable noun [usually NOUN noun]

A code name is a name used for someone or something in order to keep their identity secret.

One of their informers was working under the code name Czerny.

The operation was given the code name Dynamo.

2. verb [usually passive]

If a military or police operation is code-named something, it is given a name which only the people involved in it know.

The operation was code-named Moonlight Sonata. [be VERB-ed noun]

...a military contingent, code-named Sparrowhawk. [VERB-ed]

Word Frequency

code name in British

or codename (ˈkəʊdˌneɪm)

noun

(esp in military and police use) a word used to identify a classified plan, operation, etc

One of their informers was working under the code name Czerny.

The operation was given the code name Dynamo.

verb code-name (transitive)

to assign a code name to (a person, group, or operation)

The operation was code-named Moonlight Sonata.

Word Frequency

code-name in British

(ˈkəʊdˌneɪm)

verb (transitive)

to assign a code name to (a person, group, or operation)

The operation was code-named Moonlight Sonata.

Example sentences containing 'code name'

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American presidents and their families are all given a Secret Service code name. Times, Sunday Times (2016)There is a reason the code names used to maintain deal secrecy were all superhero names. Times, Sunday Times (2014)But show chiefs are notoriously secretive and often use code names. The Sun (2012)They were tried under the code names they used on falsely obtained Austrian passports. Times, Sunday Times (2013)CELEBS were given code names to keep secret their appearance on the show. The Sun (2009)

`So, clearly, Procane is a code-name ," Karlov observed. Forbes, Colin COVER STORYThat barbarian would insist on using, as his code-name, some dreadful native word. Shah, Idries KARA KUSHThe `swindler" was Tweed, a code-name chosen by the Finn who had a dry sense of humour. Forbes, Colin COVER STORY

Trends of 'code name'

Used Occasionally. code name is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Nearby words of 'code name'

Source

Definition of code name from the Collins English Dictionary

The full stop ( . )

Full stops are used: to mark the end of a sentence Let’s have some lunch. I have to catch a bus in ten minutes. to mark the end of a sentence fragment Are you cold?– Yes, a bit . Do you like ...