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

But that structure, called the interference or fringe pattern, encodes information about its stellar source, including size, shape and brightness distribution (that is, which parts of it are brighter or dimmer than others). —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Nov. 2025

Sukunaarchaeum encodes the barest minimum of proteins for its own replication, and that’s about all. —Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025

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

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.