encode

1 of 2

verb

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

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

encoder

2 of 2

noun

en·​cod·​er
-də(r)
: one that encodes
especially : cipher machine

Examples of encode in a Sentence

Verb 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.
Verb
Over time, a partner’s scent can become encoded as a signal of safety. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 Their tiny synthetic genome did not encode any metabolic genes, which would let the cell process food and energy, or many of the complex molecules a cell needs. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026 Do the formal vocabularies that are supposed to encode my field actually capture how the people in it think? — John Drake, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Recently, scientists have developed acoustic devices in which sound waves can encode multiple values in its waves phase. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for encode

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of encode was circa 1919

Rhymes for encode

See All Rhymes for encode

Browse Nearby Words

enclothe
encode
encodement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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