encoded; encoding; encodes
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
J. D. Niles2
: 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
These tiny changes in distance encode a tremendous amount of information about their source.
—Chad Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
This broader engagement helps students encode information more effectively.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The phonograph records contain aspects that encapsulate life on Earth, such as samples of music from different cultures and eras, natural and man-made sounds from Earth, and electronic information encoded in analog form that an advanced civilization could convert into photographs.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
These quantum objects can exist in three or more possible states and can therefore encode more information.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
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Chad Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
This broader engagement helps students encode information more effectively.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The phonograph records contain aspects that encapsulate life on Earth, such as samples of music from different cultures and eras, natural and man-made sounds from Earth, and electronic information encoded in analog form that an advanced civilization could convert into photographs.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
These quantum objects can exist in three or more possible states and can therefore encode more information.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
encode
verb
en·code
in-ˈkōd 
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-
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.
J. E. Darnell, Jr.Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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