ciphertext
noun
ci·pher·text
ˈsī-fər-ˌtekst 
: the enciphered form of a text or of its elements compare plaintext
Examples of ciphertext in a Sentence
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What Is Data Encryption? Data encryption is the process of converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using a cryptographic key.
—
Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
These algorithms take a block of plaintext and the encryption key as input and run them through a subprocess that repeats for a set number of rounds before outputting a finished ciphertext.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
Only individuals possessing the right decryption key can restore the ciphertext to its original form.
—Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
The ciphertext provides no information about the original plaintext, making the encryption theoretically unbreakable.
—Tracy Levine, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
The researchers were able to crack it in less than a minute using a standard laptop and just four ciphertexts.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 July 2023
An operator would use the keys to type plaintext, and the converted ciphertext would be reflected in 26 lights above the keys—one light for each converted letter.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 4 Dec. 2020
To mitigate this risk, organizations should transform the original information into ciphertext before the transfer, so only the receiving party can decrypt it.
—Joe Monaghan, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023
Enlarge / Sample ciphertext (F38) found in the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, now attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2023
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Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
These algorithms take a block of plaintext and the encryption key as input and run them through a subprocess that repeats for a set number of rounds before outputting a finished ciphertext.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
Only individuals possessing the right decryption key can restore the ciphertext to its original form.
—Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
The ciphertext provides no information about the original plaintext, making the encryption theoretically unbreakable.
—Tracy Levine, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
The researchers were able to crack it in less than a minute using a standard laptop and just four ciphertexts.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 July 2023
An operator would use the keys to type plaintext, and the converted ciphertext would be reflected in 26 lights above the keys—one light for each converted letter.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 4 Dec. 2020
To mitigate this risk, organizations should transform the original information into ciphertext before the transfer, so only the receiving party can decrypt it.
—Joe Monaghan, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023
Enlarge / Sample ciphertext (F38) found in the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, now attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Ciphertext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ciphertext. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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