encoded; encoding; encodes
1
a
: to convert (something, such as a body of information) from one system of communication into another
especially
: to convert (a message) into code
b
: to convey symbolically
… the capacity of poetry to encode ideology …—
J. D. Niles
J. D. Niles2
: to specify the genetic code for
encoder
noun
Examples of encode in a Sentence
Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.
a technology that encodes images
Recent Examples on the Web
These atoms act as qubits, with their spin states encoding quantum information.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Scientists sequenced the genomes of organisms to catalog all of their DNA, learning how genes encode the proteins that carry out life’s functions.
—Stephen D. Turner, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
The neural wave had propagated further, reaching brain areas that encode not just place but social connection.
—Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
Every species carries millions of years of evolutionary information encoded in its DNA, which Erdmann describes it as nature’s library of solutions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Scientists sequenced the genomes of organisms to catalog all of their DNA, learning how genes encode the proteins that carry out life’s functions.
—Stephen D. Turner, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
The neural wave had propagated further, reaching brain areas that encode not just place but social connection.
—Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
Every species carries millions of years of evolutionary information encoded in its DNA, which Erdmann describes it as nature’s library of solutions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
encode
verb
en·code
in-ˈkōd 
en-
: to change (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another
especially
: to change (a message) into code
encoder
noun
Medical Definition
encode
transitive verb
en·code
in-ˈkōd, en-
encoded; encoding
: to specify the genetic code for
each nucleotide triplet or codon on the mRNA chain encodes a specific amino acid—J. E. Darnell, Jr.
J. E. Darnell, Jr.Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
