barcode

American  

[bahr-kohd] / ˈbɑrˌkoʊd /

noun

1. a series of lines of varying width, printed, as on a container or product, that can be read by an optical scanner to determine charges for purchases, destinations for letters, etc.

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verb (used with object)

barcoded, barcoding

1. to put a barcode on.

Etymology

Origin of barcode

First recorded in 1960–65; bar ¹ (in the sense of “a band or strip”) + code

Example Sentences

Barcode technology was first patented in 1949, but the barcodes we know today have their roots in a 1970s initiative spearheaded by the grocery industry.

From Slate • May 30, 2024

Brands like Poppi and Ruby are sold at mainstream supermarkets like Whole Foods; Erewhon, the California market chain, is an investor in Barcode.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2022

In addition to his work with the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Dr. Hebert heads the International Barcode of Life, which began in 2008 as a reference library of known species with their identifying sequences.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

The Liquid & Envy clubs had their last dance in Luton in May; Burnley's Barcode club closed in June; Wonderland in Maidstone dimmed its lights in July.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2016

Union Pub and Barcode, which does not typically feature “south of the border” menu items, are both planning to offer Cinco de Mayo-themed specials on Tuesday.

From Washington Times • May 4, 2015