encode

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

Examples of encode in a Sentence

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.
Watch for unexplained web addresses, encoded strings or commands that download and immediately execute remote scripts. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Using Google’s Willow chip, Rosenfeld’s team encoded a rough magic state in a few qubits and then measured it. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 That would likely require the target cells to make the protease, which would involve delivering the gene encoding it to the cells where it’s needed. — ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 To be sure, the success of LLMs shows how much information about the world is encoded in the statistical patterns of language alone. — Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encode

Word History

First Known Use

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 20 Oct. 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.

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