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

Insert a capsule, press a button, and marvel as the machine scans the barcode and adjusts its settings to the perfect temperature, brew time, and pressure setting for that drink. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025

To make everyone’s lives easier, airlines should look toward mobile scanning solutions that capture both barcodes and IDs. —Samuel Mueller, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

State and local election officials employ robust safeguards including, but not limited to, barcode tracking, signature verification and secure drop boxes to ensure integrity. —Anthony Vega, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

Her family likes the tattoo, mostly because there's a worm that wraps around the barcode as a fun decoration. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025

When grocery lobbyists said that was too difficult due to the high number of products on sale and a waste of paper, the council changed it to allow alternative access, such as through a touch-screen kiosk or barcode cashiers can scan. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

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