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
Information encoded in vocal systems could reveal useful details about stress levels that could help improve the welfare of farm and lab animals without invasive procedures such as blood tests.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Scientists sequence a patient's tumor to identify up to 34 unique molecular fingerprints called neoantigens and encode them into a custom vaccine.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 1 June 2026
The lethal nature of mosquitoes is ancient knowledge, encoded in some of our most sacred texts.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
An enormous amount of expert judgment was already encoded into the frame before the model ran a single token.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Scientists sequence a patient's tumor to identify up to 34 unique molecular fingerprints called neoantigens and encode them into a custom vaccine.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 1 June 2026
The lethal nature of mosquitoes is ancient knowledge, encoded in some of our most sacred texts.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
An enormous amount of expert judgment was already encoded into the frame before the model ran a single token.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 23 May 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 5 Jun. 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
