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
Lo’s group, for one, is investigating encoding a qubit’s signal not onto another individual photon but rather onto a cluster of entangled photons.
—Margo Anderson, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
The point encoded by that crease pattern’s boundary sat inside the region.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
To explain these distortions, experts speculate that the figures served as fertility talismans—designed to maximize those parts of the body that evolution has encoded us to see as signs of optimal child-bearers.
—Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Also encoded in the title is a reference to the Lake Cooperative, a plot of land in northwest Russia where Putin’s inner circle gathered for vacations.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Margo Anderson, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
The point encoded by that crease pattern’s boundary sat inside the region.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
To explain these distortions, experts speculate that the figures served as fertility talismans—designed to maximize those parts of the body that evolution has encoded us to see as signs of optimal child-bearers.
—Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Also encoded in the title is a reference to the Lake Cooperative, a plot of land in northwest Russia where Putin’s inner circle gathered for vacations.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 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 13 Oct. 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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