encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd How to pronounce encode (audio)
en-
encoded; encoding; encodes
Synonyms of encodenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to convert (something, such as a body of information) from one system of communication into another
especially : to convert (a message) into code
b
: to convey symbolically
the capacity of poetry to encode ideology— J. D. Niles
2
: to specify the genetic code for
encoder noun

Examples of encode in a Sentence

Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information. a technology that encodes images
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The more detailed description is that the Quick Response code, that’s what QR stands for, developed in 1994 for the Japanese automotive industry, is a method of encoding information in both horizontal and vertical directions. — Davey Winder, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 And a third rule encodes how a subset of polyps can construct branches that jut out laterally from the rest of the coral. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025 Bob then performs the measurement, encoding his results onto the phase of the single photons that Alice has sent as part of the process. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025 More specifically, frequency-shift keying encodes information by periodically shifting the frequency of a carrier between several discrete frequencies. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encode

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of encode was circa 1919

Rhymes for encode

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Browse Nearby Words

encode
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Cite this Entry

“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

encode

verb
en·​code in-ˈkōd How to pronounce encode (audio)
en-
: to change (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another
especially : to change (a message) into code
encoder noun

Medical Definition

encode

transitive verb
en·​code in-ˈkōd, en- How to pronounce encode (audio)
encoded; encoding
: to specify the genetic code for
each nucleotide triplet or codon on the mRNA chain encodes a specific amino acid— J. E. Darnell, Jr.

More from Merriam-Webster on encode

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for encode

Nglish: Translation of encode for Spanish Speakers

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