encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

encoded; encoding; encodes

transitive verb

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

2

: 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

Researchers have speculated this is because there may be something inherent in the way all large language models encode language that enables similar prompt injections to have success against any AI model. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

These coding genes encode the many proteins produced by cells, which serve vital functions in the organism. —Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Nov. 2025

Powered by harmless red and infrared laser beams that pass through brain tissue, the MOTE transmits data back through tiny pulses of infrared light that encode the brain’s electrical signals. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025

These numbers encoded how the instability would grow and distort the Stokes waves over time. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for encode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids 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.