encryption
noun
en·cryp·tion
in-ˈkrip-shən 
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …—
Paul Wallich
Paul Wallich… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.—Elizabeth Millard
Elizabeth Millard2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.—Ana Swanson
Ana SwansonExamples of encryption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of the preparation for this eventuality has involved updating RSA encryption to use the Module Lattice Key Encapsulation Mechanism—typically known as ML-KEM—a PQC algorithm based on problems that quantum computers have no advantage over classical computing in solving.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
The project, known as QUASAR-CREATE, seeks to address a specific vulnerability in modern digital infrastructure, which is the eventual ability of quantum computers to bypass current encryption methods.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
WhatsApp, Signal, and Apple iMessages all offer E2EE, which places the encryption keys for the messages only on the sender and recipient devices.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Quantum computers have the potential to perform much more complex calculations than classical computers can, with applications in encryption, scientific research, and AI development.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
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Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
The project, known as QUASAR-CREATE, seeks to address a specific vulnerability in modern digital infrastructure, which is the eventual ability of quantum computers to bypass current encryption methods.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
WhatsApp, Signal, and Apple iMessages all offer E2EE, which places the encryption keys for the messages only on the sender and recipient devices.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Quantum computers have the potential to perform much more complex calculations than classical computers can, with applications in encryption, scientific research, and AI development.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
Cite this Entry
“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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