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
The team recorded a single image that encoded information from both channels.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025
Some of these scientists are drilling deep into melting glaciers to save ancient ice cores; others are encoding human languages onto metal disks and launching them into space — small acts of hope left behind for someone (someday) to discover.
—Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025
Black Americans fought to preserve the emancipatory promise Douglass found encoded in the nation’s founding documents, just as his mother had fought to preserve their family in spite of the slave system’s attempts to destroy it.
—Time, 12 Nov. 2025
Their ability to control speech properties in a structured way hints that sperm whales may be encoding additional layers of meaning, similar to what humans do.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025
Some of these scientists are drilling deep into melting glaciers to save ancient ice cores; others are encoding human languages onto metal disks and launching them into space — small acts of hope left behind for someone (someday) to discover.
—Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025
Black Americans fought to preserve the emancipatory promise Douglass found encoded in the nation’s founding documents, just as his mother had fought to preserve their family in spite of the slave system’s attempts to destroy it.
—Time, 12 Nov. 2025
Their ability to control speech properties in a structured way hints that sperm whales may be encoding additional layers of meaning, similar to what humans do.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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
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