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
ScienceI 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
Sanjeeb Patel2
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
Christen Brownlee
bar coding
noun
Examples of barcode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Apps can help track eating or scan barcodes on products for nutritional data.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
This is why the familiar linear barcode will in time be phased out in favour of QR codes capable of carrying so much more information.
—David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Just scan the barcode on your detergents with the SmartHQ app and your washer will dispense the right amount of detergent every time.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Each sound has a unique brain ‘barcode’ that accompanies it.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
Many clinics have also adopted electronic tracking systems that assign barcodes to eggs, embryos and sperm.
—Alexandra Chaidez, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
The app is intended to save customers time and money by offering the capability to open locked display cabinets and speed up in-store prescription pickups with personalized barcodes.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
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.
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
Apps can help track eating or scan barcodes on products for nutritional data.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
This is why the familiar linear barcode will in time be phased out in favour of QR codes capable of carrying so much more information.
—David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Just scan the barcode on your detergents with the SmartHQ app and your washer will dispense the right amount of detergent every time.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Each sound has a unique brain ‘barcode’ that accompanies it.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
Many clinics have also adopted electronic tracking systems that assign barcodes to eggs, embryos and sperm.
—Alexandra Chaidez, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
The app is intended to save customers time and money by offering the capability to open locked display cabinets and speed up in-store prescription pickups with personalized barcodes.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Barcode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barcode. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share