cryptography
noun
cryp·tog·ra·phy
krip-ˈtä-grə-fē 
1
: secret writing
2
: the enciphering and deciphering of messages in secret code or cipher
also
: the computerized encoding and decoding of information
3
Did you know?
For a word having to do with secrets, cryptography has a surprisingly transparent origin. The word comes from Greek kryptós, meaning "hidden" or "secret," and graphein, meaning "to write." Besides the familiar related words of the same origin, such as cryptic, there is krypton, the name of a colorless gaseous element used especially in some fluorescent lamps and photography flashes. The name was chosen because the gas is rare and hard to find.
Examples of cryptography in a Sentence
Companies often use cryptography to protect private information.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quantum computing could lead to revolutions in cryptography, materials design and telecommunications.
—
Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
Most blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies currently rely on elliptical curve cryptography for critical aspects of their security, the Google post said.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
By slow degrees, Philip’s story shifts to accommodate the incontrovertible evidence of IP addresses and deciphered cryptography and Lucy struggles to keep up, let alone understand.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Security leaders should still inventory vulnerable cryptography, begin post-quantum migration and build crypto-agility road maps.
—Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptography
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Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
Most blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies currently rely on elliptical curve cryptography for critical aspects of their security, the Google post said.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
By slow degrees, Philip’s story shifts to accommodate the incontrovertible evidence of IP addresses and deciphered cryptography and Lucy struggles to keep up, let alone understand.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Security leaders should still inventory vulnerable cryptography, begin post-quantum migration and build crypto-agility road maps.
—Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptography
Cite this Entry
“Cryptography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptography. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cryptography
noun
cryp·tog·ra·phy
krip-ˈtäg-rə-fē
: the coding and decoding of secret messages or digital information
cryptographer
noun
-fər
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