barcode

noun

bar·​code ˈbär-ˌkōd How to pronounce barcode (audio)
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 adjective
bar coding noun

Examples of barcode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s left is like a digital barcode for your eyeball that’s encrypted, split into pieces, and scattered across a decentralized network, kind of like a glitter bomb. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 May 2025 The recalled products are packaged in 200g green plastic containers marked with UPC barcode 6975730520101 on the back label. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025 Each participant wore a little paper hat with a barcode to track their movements. Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025 Specifically, customers can create their own designs at the kiosks, and once completed, they will be emailed a barcode. Peter Verry, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025 Along with unlocking cabinets, the app offers features like tracking prescription status, viewing pricing, and speeding up in-store pickups with a personalized barcode. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025 Look for the self-serve The Lucky Spot machines and scan the ticket barcode. Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024 The package features the UPC barcode 6975730520101 on a black label. Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 Using that barcode, the store’s staff will then work alongside the customer on the final design details before placing an order. Peter Verry, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barcode was in 1963

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barcode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barcode. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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