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
Our findings suggest that this early dominance of the right hemisphere in encoding sound information might amplify its control of auditory processing, deepening the imbalance between hemispheres.
—Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025
Others face bottlenecks in data loading, where the overhead of encoding classical data into quantum states outweighs any downstream quantum advantage.
—Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
When we get stung by a wasp, the association between pain and wasps is encoded in the region of the brain called the amygdala, which connects simple stimuli with basic emotions.
—ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
This ensemble of genes encodes proteins involved in immunity, and natural selection usually promotes genetic diversity in that region to defend against an array of potential threats.
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025
Others face bottlenecks in data loading, where the overhead of encoding classical data into quantum states outweighs any downstream quantum advantage.
—Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
When we get stung by a wasp, the association between pain and wasps is encoded in the region of the brain called the amygdala, which connects simple stimuli with basic emotions.
—ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
This ensemble of genes encodes proteins involved in immunity, and natural selection usually promotes genetic diversity in that region to defend against an array of potential threats.
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 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 24 Jun. 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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