encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

encoded; encoding; encodes

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

The robots can handle any amount of complexity in the pricing and will optimize their travel to reduce cost and thus meet the public interest as encoded in the fees. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Languages also encode values—gender hierarchies baked into pronouns, honorifics that perpetuate caste distinctions—that liberal-minded activists may not be eager to preserve as valuable pieces of linguistic heritage. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

One of his leading tenets is that life can be defined by its ability to encode information and replicate it. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 July 2026

Two qubits can encode four possibilities at the same time; 10 qubits can encode 1,024; and 300 qubits can represent more states than there are atoms in the universe. — Aldo Romero, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for encode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids 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.