noncoding

adjective

non·​cod·​ing (ˈ)nän-ˈkō-diŋ How to pronounce noncoding (audio)
: not specifying the genetic code
a noncoding DNA sequence

Examples of noncoding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The short of it is that there are strong suspicions that some noncoding regions of the genome may regulate coding regions, and so be functionally very significant, even if indirectly. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2011 Many noncoding genes serve important regulatory, protective, or other functions within a cell. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Nov. 2025 In this dark matter, noncoding DNA is transcribed into noncoding RNA. — Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026 Even though the repeat is in a noncoding region of the gene [one that doesn’t contain instructions to build specific proteins], it has been shown to actually make toxic RNA and very small, toxic proteins. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noncoding

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noncoding was in 1962

Rhymes for noncoding

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Browse Nearby Words

nonclotting
noncoding
noncoercive
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Cite this Entry

“Noncoding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncoding. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

noncoding

adjective
non·​cod·​ing (ˈ)nän-ˈkōd-iŋ How to pronounce noncoding (audio)
: not specifying the genetic code
noncoding introns
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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