# code review

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/code-review
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the process of checking code

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the activity of checking a programmer's work to make sure it is correct and follows the team's rules.

For teachers: the practice or an instance of examining source code to verify algorithms, coding style, and architectural compliance.

- We need to finish the code review before we can launch the new feature.
- The senior developer conducted a thorough code review, identifying several potential memory leaks that the junior programmer had overlooked.

Usage: Often used as a countable noun for a single event or an uncountable noun for the general practice.

### 2. to check someone's code

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to look through a colleague's programming work to find errors.

For teachers: to perform a systematic examination of a specific set of source code changes.

- Can you code review my changes before I merge them into the main project?
- The team lead requested that every pull request be code reviewed by at least two other engineers to maintain high quality standards.

Usage: Used as a transitive verb, often appearing in the passive voice in professional settings.

## Examples

- I need to wait for a code review before I can finish my task.
- The senior developer spent the afternoon performing a code review to ensure the new security features were implemented correctly.
- Rigorous code review serves not only as a quality assurance mechanism but also as a collaborative pedagogical tool, allowing junior engineers to receive direct feedback from more experienced peers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.