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
By using bursts of infrared light—rather than microwaves—from a laser to encode data, these systems can move far more information than traditional systems and can often do so with a smaller and lighter device.
—Adam Bluestein, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2026
According to the study, it is encoded in the internal structure of the remnant through what physicists call quasi-normal modes.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Mutations in genes encoding cardiac myosin, for instance, can lead to cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic and dilated forms, which affect the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
Scientific data collected by the spacecraft is encoded onto a digital 8-track machine before being transmitted back to Earth.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Adam Bluestein, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2026
According to the study, it is encoded in the internal structure of the remnant through what physicists call quasi-normal modes.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Mutations in genes encoding cardiac myosin, for instance, can lead to cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic and dilated forms, which affect the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
Scientific data collected by the spacecraft is encoded onto a digital 8-track machine before being transmitted back to Earth.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 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 10 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
