Definition of cipher
1a : zero 1ab : one that has no weight, worth, or influence : nonentity She was nothing more than a cipher.
2a : a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning secret communications written in cipher — compare code 3bb : a message in code The cipher cannot be decoded without the key.
3 : arabic numeral
4 : a combination of symbolic letters; especially : the interwoven initials of a name coins that bore the cipher of the sultan
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of cipher in a Sentence
a cipher that can't be decoded
She was nothing more than a cipher.
Origin and Etymology of cipher
Middle English, from Medieval Latin cifra, from Arabic ṣifr empty, cipher, zero
First Known Use: 14th century
cipher
Definition of cipher
ciphered
;ciphering
play \-f(ə-)riŋ\intransitive verb
: to use figures in a mathematical process all children should learn to read, write, and cipher — M. Pattison
transitive verb
1 : encipher ciphered the letters that passed between the two heads of state
2 : to compute arithmetically ciphered out the sum in his head
Examples of cipher in a Sentence
were surprised by how much we had spent on the cruise after we had ciphered out the grand total
Origin and Etymology of cipher
see 1cipher
First Known Use: circa 1530
CIPHER Defined for English Language Learners
cipher
playDefinition of cipher for English Language Learners
-
: a way of changing a message to keep it secret
-
: a person who has no power or is not important
CIPHER Defined for Kids
Learn More about cipher
-
See words that rhyme with cipher Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cipher Spanish Central: Translation of cipher Nglish: Translation of cipher for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cipher for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cipher
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up cipher? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!