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
The data is encoded onto the light using modulation techniques — the same spirit as AM, FM, or phase modulation.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
In an mRNA vaccine, the vaccine gives the body a section of mRNA, genetic material copied from DNA that encodes one of the pathogen’s proteins.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time since 1982, scientists have formally identified a new bird species in Japan — not by spotting an unfamiliar creature in the wild, but by examining what lies hidden in its genome and encoded in its song.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
These particles would encode the bits of a unique serial number.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
In an mRNA vaccine, the vaccine gives the body a section of mRNA, genetic material copied from DNA that encodes one of the pathogen’s proteins.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time since 1982, scientists have formally identified a new bird species in Japan — not by spotting an unfamiliar creature in the wild, but by examining what lies hidden in its genome and encoded in its song.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
These particles would encode the bits of a unique serial number.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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
