encryption

noun

en·​cryp·​tion in-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce encryption (audio)
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …Paul Wallich
… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.Elizabeth Millard
2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.Ana Swanson

Examples of encryption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If your Wi-Fi is protected by a weak password or uses outdated encryption, a skilled attacker might gain access without ever stepping inside your house. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 To do so, a company would have to recreate everything from how web pages are rendered and memory is managed, to encryption systems, sandboxing, video playback, and constant security patching. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025 The compute portion of its data centers, which utilizes military-level FIPS 140-2 encryption, is also physically separated from all other systems, including security cameras and cooling systems. Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Security features Uses a zero-knowledge approach, government-standard AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, support for biometrics and has passed third-party security audits. David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encryption

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encryption was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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