Word of the day · 16 June 2026
clandestine
/klænˈdɛstɪn/
adjective
Kept secret or done secretly, often because it is illicit or sensitive.
In a sentence
- They held a clandestine meeting after the office closed.
- A clandestine recording later surfaced in court.
- Couriers moved the papers through a clandestine network.
In an image
Origin
From Latin clandestinus (secret, hidden), from clam (secretly).
History
Clandestine entered English for meetings, marriages and missions conducted out of sight. Journalism still favors it for covert operations and quiet deals. It is stronger than private and closer to concealed. The word implies intention: someone chose secrecy, not mere quiet.
Nearby words
secret · covert · furtive
Hidden on purpose, usually for a reason.