What does "undercover" mean?

1. (secret investigation) working secretly to get information, especially for the police or government. 2. (a secret agent) a person, like a police officer, who works in secret using a fake name.

How do you use "undercover"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes. Used as a countable noun to refer to the person rather than the action.

undercover

adj. · n.

US //ˌəndɝˈkəvɝ// UK //ˌʌndəkˈʌvɐ// un·der·cov·er

1 secret investigation (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

working secretly to get information, especially for the police or government.

involved in or involving secret investigation or spying, typically while assuming a false identity.

Example

The undercover officer spent months living with the gang to gather evidence.

Example

The agency launched an undercover operation to infiltrate the smuggling ring, placing several agents in high-risk positions for over a year.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- overt
- public
2 a secret agent (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal Law

a person, like a police officer, who works in secret using a fake name.

an operative or agent who performs duties while their true identity and motives remain concealed.

Example

The criminals never suspected that their new driver was actually an undercover.

Example

The tension in the room spiked when the boss began to suspect there was an undercover among his most trusted lieutenants.

Usage

Used as a countable noun to refer to the person rather than the action.

Origin

From under + cover.