code

- definition

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

noun

/kəʊd/

singular	code
plural	codes

1
[countable/uncountable] a system of words, numbers, or signs used for sending secret messages. To put a message into code is to encode it, and to translate it back from code is to decode it
in code:
The message was written in code.
crack/break a code (=discover how it works):
She worked at Bletchley Park, where they cracked the Enigma codes.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
2
[countable] a set of rules about how something should be done or how people should behave
Even criminals have their own code of honour.
penal/criminal code (=the set of laws about crimes and punishment):
The death penalty is no longer allowed under France’s penal code.
code of conduct:
Managers are expected to comply with the company’s code of conduct.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
Collocations: code
▪ breach, break, comply with, contravene, keep to
3
[countable] a set of numbers or letters that gives information about something, for example by showing what it is or when it was made
The shirt comes in eight colours, each identified by a two-letter code.
Write the order code in this box.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
1. a.
  the first part of a telephone number that shows where someone lives. The area code tells you the town or district, and the international code is used when telephoning another country.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
2. b.
  a set of numbers that allows you to open a lock or door or turn off an alarm
  punch in/key in/enter a code:
  She punched in a five-digit security code.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
4
[countable/uncountable] computing a set of instructions that a computer can understand
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
5
[singular] a complicated system of rules, relationships, or instructions
the genetic code
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code

This is the British English definition of code. View American English definition of code.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

BuzzWord Article

More BuzzWords

BuzzWord archive

Word of the Day

zeugma

the use of a word twice in the same sentence but with different meanings. The sentence ‘She...

Word of the Day

Open Dictionary

conflict mineral

a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons

add a word

More submissions

view entries

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog

Did you know?