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
By contrast, as a 2006 study from PNAS demonstrated, signature whistles serve the sole purpose of encoding identity information that other dolphins can recognize, even when stripped of individual voice characteristics.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Impressively, the researchers found that minute, transient voltage fluctuations in these segments encode precise velocity data.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
But the images encode all the dark matter between the far-off object and the telescope.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2026
The costs gained from efficiencies are being lapped in next year’s budget and organizations must be willing to encode their own judgment and expertise into systems – or leave that power elsewhere.
—Louisa Loran, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encode
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Impressively, the researchers found that minute, transient voltage fluctuations in these segments encode precise velocity data.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
But the images encode all the dark matter between the far-off object and the telescope.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2026
The costs gained from efficiencies are being lapped in next year’s budget and organizations must be willing to encode their own judgment and expertise into systems – or leave that power elsewhere.
—Louisa Loran, Fortune, 21 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 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
