adjective
undercover
uhn-duh-KUH-vuh
adjective
1
Carried out secretly, especially as part of an investigation.
"The reporter went undercover to expose the scam."
2
Working secretly, especially as a spy or investigator.
"He spent two years as an undercover officer in the narcotics unit."
How to Use Undercover
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking or acting in secret, usually to investigate or infiltrate something.
Common pairings
undercover agent
undercover cop
go undercover
Word Forms
more undercover comparative, undercovered past tense, undercovers plural, undercovers singular, most undercover superlative
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The reporter went _____ to expose the scam.
Etymology
From under + cover, in the sense of "hidden."