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

Look for signs of tampering, such as the wrapping being torn or resealed or stickers placed over the barcode or card number. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024

The case of the leather jacket cracks wide open when Nick and Tim find a sticker with a barcode inside it and Palmer uses his family's dry cleaning biz connections to locate the owner. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 26 Nov. 2024

Each one is marked with a barcode that, when scanned, tells staff its layout and content. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 30 Sep. 2024

The researchers say the screen is designed for use when light and power are impractical or undesirable, such as on clothes, stickers, ID badges, barcodes, and eBook readers. —New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2024

Ballots are sent in envelopes with unique tracking codes and barcodes that allow them to be tracked by officials. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024

Help your cashier streamline the process by positioning items in your cart with the barcode facing up, which will expedite the check-out time. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024

Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can handle up to 7,098 numeric characters or 4,269 alphanumeric ones. —Benjamin Claeys, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

The account claims to be sharing 170,000 ticket barcodes for upcoming Taylor Swift gigs in the US during October and November. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 6 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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