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
This jarring anecdote encodes the dilemma the authors can’t quite overcome.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
To avoid detection, these URLs often use hex encoding for parts of the address and rotate their paths.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Instead, the solutions to an elliptic curve have a far richer structure — one that’s played a vital role in number theory for centuries, and that cryptographers have taken advantage of to encode secret messages.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 12 Dec. 2025
These empires managed to encode their folkloric art into everyday realities through the curation of their imagery, a comic-strip like style, refined and easy to replicate, while heavily coded with elements partial to those empires’ realities, such as papyrus, chariots, and images of the afterlife.
—Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
To avoid detection, these URLs often use hex encoding for parts of the address and rotate their paths.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Instead, the solutions to an elliptic curve have a far richer structure — one that’s played a vital role in number theory for centuries, and that cryptographers have taken advantage of to encode secret messages.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 12 Dec. 2025
These empires managed to encode their folkloric art into everyday realities through the curation of their imagery, a comic-strip like style, refined and easy to replicate, while heavily coded with elements partial to those empires’ realities, such as papyrus, chariots, and images of the afterlife.
—Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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