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
The answer lies in the silent message encoded in the concrete.
—Yunus Emre Tozal, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Yet the statement encodes an aspiration and an expectation, if not always an enforceable law.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
One of the most striking demonstrations involved encoding an image of the Mona Lisa into the smart skin.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
To delineate the murine C3aR coding sequence, gene structure, 5′-flanking region, and chromosome location, cDNA and genomic clones encoding the mouse C3a receptor were isolated, characterized, and used in fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Yunus Emre Tozal, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Yet the statement encodes an aspiration and an expectation, if not always an enforceable law.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
One of the most striking demonstrations involved encoding an image of the Mona Lisa into the smart skin.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
To delineate the murine C3aR coding sequence, gene structure, 5′-flanking region, and chromosome location, cDNA and genomic clones encoding the mouse C3a receptor were isolated, characterized, and used in fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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
