workname

English

Etymology

From work +‎ name.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈwəːkneɪm/

Noun

workname (plural worknames)

1. The alias used by someone involved in secret espionage or intelligence work.
   • 1979, John Le Carré, Smiley's People, Folio Society, published 2010, page 256:

     ‘I made the acquaintance of the head of the independent Thirteenth Intelligence Directorate, subordinated to the Party's Central Committee, who is known throughout Centre only by his workname Karla.’