encodes; encoded; encoding
1
: to put (a message) into the form of a code so that it can kept secret : code
an encoded message
2
: to put information in the form of a code on (something)
Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.
3
: to change (information) into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer
a technology that encodes images/files
Cite this Entry
“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/encode. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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