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

If a polygon existed with no periodic trajectory—that is, no way to return to its starting point—then the geometric object encoding all possible billiard paths would be forced to behave in two incompatible ways. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026

To avoid easy detection, the font lets publishers increase the underlying chaos by choosing from three different potential mappings for each word replacement, with the ability to encode their own and/or swap mappings from paragraph to paragraph. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

Worse still, the messages can be encoded such that a human trying to figure out what is going on will be unable to decode the sneaky digital traffic. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The strategic insights needed to solve today’s cultural anxieties are already encoded in industrial history. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 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.