encryption
noun
en·cryp·tion
in-ˈkrip-shən 
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
Paul Wallich… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.—Elizabeth Millard
Elizabeth Millard2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.—Ana Swanson
Ana SwansonExamples of encryption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The scarcity of factual support for the claims hasn’t been lost on technologists and encryption experts.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
This approach works best when paired with encryption, strict access controls, audit trails and zero-trust security.
—Mark Boxer, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
It was long thought that cracking encryption would require a processor with at least a million qubits.
—Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
The Quantum Threat Timeline Report defines a cryptographically relevant computer as one that could, for example, break RSA encryption in 24 hours.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
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Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
This approach works best when paired with encryption, strict access controls, audit trails and zero-trust security.
—Mark Boxer, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
It was long thought that cracking encryption would require a processor with at least a million qubits.
—Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
The Quantum Threat Timeline Report defines a cryptographically relevant computer as one that could, for example, break RSA encryption in 24 hours.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
Cite this Entry
“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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