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
This particular gene encodes for an enzyme involved in the final step of producing glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), a molecule essential for anchoring proteins to the surface of red blood cells.
—New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
The drug works by delivering a healthy copy of the gene that encodes a type of collagen to the skin cells, enabling healing to occur.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The disease that ultimately proved fatal to the postwar international order was encoded into its liberal DNA.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
But as these apocalyptic alarms sound, concerns over how AI is further encoding misogyny into the fabric of society fall through the cracks.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
The drug works by delivering a healthy copy of the gene that encodes a type of collagen to the skin cells, enabling healing to occur.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The disease that ultimately proved fatal to the postwar international order was encoded into its liberal DNA.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
But as these apocalyptic alarms sound, concerns over how AI is further encoding misogyny into the fabric of society fall through the cracks.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 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 22 Aug. 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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