# code

/ˈkoʊd/ (US) · /kˈəʊd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/code
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. rules of behavior

noun · CEFR B1

a set of rules about how people should behave in a certain group or place.

For teachers: a systematic collection of principles or rules relating to conduct or social behavior.

- The school has a strict dress code that all students must follow.
- The medical profession is governed by a strict ethical code that prioritizes patient confidentiality and safety above all else.

### 3. secret signals

noun · CEFR B1

a system of words, letters, or symbols used to keep a message secret.

For teachers: a system of signals or symbols used to represent letters or words for the purpose of secrecy or brevity.

- The spies sent messages in a secret code so the enemy could not read them.
- During the war, cryptographers worked tirelessly to break the enemy's naval code and intercept their strategic plans.

### 4. legal system

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a formal set of laws or regulations written by a government.

For teachers: a systematic and comprehensive compilation of laws sanctioned by a legislative body.

- The country updated its penal code to include new types of digital crimes.
- The civil code provides the legal framework for contracts, property ownership, and family law within the jurisdiction.

### 5. medical emergency

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a signal used in a hospital to tell staff there is a serious emergency.

For teachers: a specific signal or call used in a medical facility to alert staff to a life-threatening emergency.

- The nurse called a code blue when the patient stopped breathing.
- The hospital staff responded immediately when a code was announced over the intercom, rushing to the intensive care unit with the crash cart.

### 6. to write software

verb · CEFR B1

to write the instructions for a computer program.

For teachers: to write or revise computer software using a programming language.

- He learned how to code in Python during his summer break.
- The engineering team had to code a custom interface to allow the two different databases to communicate effectively.

### 7. to categorize

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to give a label or number to information so it can be organized.

For teachers: to assign a code or identifier to data for the purpose of classification or analysis.

- The researchers had to code the interview answers into different categories.
- The survey responses were coded by two independent researchers to ensure the qualitative data was analyzed objectively.

## Examples

- The programmer writes code for the new app.
- The hospital staff uses a special code over the loudspeaker to announce emergencies without alarming the patients.
- While the genetic code determines many physical traits, environmental factors play a significant role in how those traits are expressed throughout an individual's life.

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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.