encode

1 of 2

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

encoder

2 of 2

noun

en·​cod·​er

-də(r)

: one that encodes

especially : cipher machine

Examples of encode in a Sentence

Verb

Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.

a technology that encodes images

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Waveguides direct light around the chip, while modulators can encode information onto optical signals. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Applying the process to neurons taken from mice, the researchers found that although the mRNA strands encoding tau proteins were found throughout the cell, they were only read inside the dendrites – and not the axons. — Mike McRae 03, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Previous attempts to transmit multiple quantum states in parallel usually depended on multiplexing techniques that encoded multiple channels in a single beam of light. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Sep. 2026

As design documentation becomes more structured and machine-readable, organizations may eventually encode not only color, typography and spacing but also content structures, interaction principles and tone boundaries. — Goran Paun, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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.