barcode

noun

bar·​code ˈbär-ˌkōd 

variants or less commonly bar code

plural barcodes also bar codes

1

: a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (such as identification) about the object it labels

… one version of the barcode reader used in supermarkets employs a laser scanner.

—Science

I on the other hand boarded the traditional way. I handed my paper printout to the airport personnel, who scanned the barcode before letting me proceed.

—Sanjeeb Patel

2

biology : something (such as a DNA sequence) that uniquely identifies a species of organism

… they now plan to analyze each fish sample by decoding a certain tiny piece of DNA that can serve as a unique bar code for the species.

—Christen Brownlee

bar-coded

ˈbär-ˌkō-dəd 

adjective

bar coding noun

Examples of barcode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Robotic units integrated with barcode validation loops now incorporate computer vision models trained to classify pill shape, color, imprint, and packaging configuration. —Ethan Stone june 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

The machine reads the capsule’s barcode to identify the recipe and even recommends the ideal glassware. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

As part of the simulation, the humanoids used onboard cameras and AI reasoning to detect barcodes, pick up packages and place them onto conveyor belts with their barcode facing down. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 June 2026

The barcodes help track ballots through the mail. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 May 2026

The rule would require official logos, tracking barcodes, and a reporting system linking voters to specific envelopes. —Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 May 2026

The cashier simply scans the barcodes of the goods in the basket and off our consumer goes. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

Spectroscopy could split light emitted from objects into a kind of barcode that characterized elemental makeup. —Quanta Magazine, 28 May 2026

Ballots are sorted Vote-by-mail ballots are placed in one of four mail sorters, which scan the barcode on the return envelope and take a photo of the voter’s signature. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for barcode

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

Kids Definition

bar code

noun

: a code made up of a group of printed and variously spaced bars and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels