1. secret codes or methods of writing in code
2. the symbol 0; zero
3. persons of no importance or influence
Usage: often derogatory

1. writes in or decodes secret writing

Examples

• The spies communicated using complex ciphers.
• She spent hours trying to crack the enemy’s ciphers.
• The mathematician explained that ciphers represent nothing in our number system.
• In the company hierarchy, junior employees felt like mere ciphers.
• The cryptographer ciphers all sensitive messages before transmission.
• Ancient civilizations used various ciphers to protect their secrets.
• Without the key, these ciphers are impossible to read.