barcode

noun

bar·​code ˈbär-ˌkōd 

variants or less commonly bar code

plural barcodes also bar codes

1

: a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (such as identification) about the object it labels

… one version of the barcode reader used in supermarkets employs a laser scanner.

—Science

I on the other hand boarded the traditional way. I handed my paper printout to the airport personnel, who scanned the barcode before letting me proceed.

—Sanjeeb Patel

2

biology : something (such as a DNA sequence) that uniquely identifies a species of organism

… they now plan to analyze each fish sample by decoding a certain tiny piece of DNA that can serve as a unique bar code for the species.

—Christen Brownlee

bar-coded

ˈbär-ˌkō-dəd 

adjective

bar coding noun

Examples of barcode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shoppers can simply scan the barcode of a product while in the store, and the app will flag potential health concerns linked to ingredients. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 9 Sep. 2024

The claims appear to be dubious, however, as Ticketmaster's barcodes aren't static, according to the company. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 6 July 2024

Without proper packaging, experts say, the funds stored on gift cards are vulnerable because their barcodes and PIN numbers, concealed only by a scratch off sticker, are visible. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 30 July 2024

Private shipping companies also adopted barcodes to capture identification data. —Jordan Frith, The Conversation, 25 July 2024

Each animal species has its own label or barcode of those DNA segments, and forensic geneticists compare the DNA sequences of the sample with a database of genomic sequences from living animals. —Angela Posada-Swafford, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2024

The 52-year-old man, who chose to remain anonymous, purchased two $4,000,000 Ultimate instant tickets at a convenience store, scratched the barcodes and scanned the tickets in the store. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 9 July 2024

Help your cashier streamline the process by positioning items in your cart with the barcode facing up, which will expedite the check-out time. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 6 July 2024

Lempert notes that barcodes on the new labels can provide useful details other than the price. —Lola Murti, NPR, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bar code

noun

: a code made up of a group of printed and variously spaced bars and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels