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 new approach builds on years of research into stretchable sensors, ultimately creating a system that directly encodes mechanical pressure into clear, visible optical signals.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
In this case, the gene encoding T7 RNA polymerase was added to the SpudCell genome, and it was made by those artificial cells.
—
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Their tiny synthetic genome did not encode any metabolic genes, which would let the cell process food and energy, or many of the complex molecules a cell needs.
—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
1 July 2026
Do the formal vocabularies that are supposed to encode my field actually capture how the people in it think?
—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
In this case, the gene encoding T7 RNA polymerase was added to the SpudCell genome, and it was made by those artificial cells.
—
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Their tiny synthetic genome did not encode any metabolic genes, which would let the cell process food and energy, or many of the complex molecules a cell needs.
—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
1 July 2026
Do the formal vocabularies that are supposed to encode my field actually capture how the people in it think?
—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
30 June 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 7 Jul. 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
