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 forElizabeth DrewI 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
Sallie TisdaleThis quarter-century of Republican momentum was reversed finally by Bill Clinton, who called himself a "New Democrat," code for "not a liberal."—Joshua Muravchik
Joshua Muravchik4
5
: instructions for a computer (as within a piece of software)
writing code for a new app
coded; coding
: to put in or into the form or symbols of a code
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.
coder
noun
Synonyms
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
Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
These attacks can involve generating malicious code, crafting realistic phishing emails, or bypassing security protocols.
—Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
The Kremlin reportedly used social media accounts and coded messages to quietly persuade voters away from supporting Ukraine and toward supporting Russia instead.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for code 
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Noun
In 2017, when Republicans passed a rewrite of the tax code during the first Trump administration, 12 House Republicans -- part of a larger majority at the time -- voted against the bill, but did not prevent its passage.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
These attacks can involve generating malicious code, crafting realistic phishing emails, or bypassing security protocols.
—Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
Construct and GameMaker have excellent visual coding languages.
—Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
The Kremlin reportedly used social media accounts and coded messages to quietly persuade voters away from supporting Ukraine and toward supporting Russia instead.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for code
Articles Related to code
Dictionary Entries Near code
Cite this Entry
“Code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
code
1 of 2 noun1
: 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 noun1
2
code
2 of 2 verb
coded; coding
: to specify the genetic code for
an amino acid coded by a nucleotide sequence
1
: to specify the genetic code
the DNA sequence of the gene that codes for that protein—Gina B. Kolata
Gina B. Kolata2
: 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
Perri Klass, DiscoverLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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