alphanumeric

American

[al-fuh-noo-mer-ik, -nyoo-] / ˌæl fə nuˈmɛr ɪk, -nyu- /

Also alphameric

adjective

Computers.

(of a set of characters) including letters, numbers, and, often, special characters, as punctuation marks.

alphanumeric code.

alphanumeric British

/ ˌælfənjuːˈmɛrɪk, ˌælfəˈmɛrɪk /

adjective

(of a character set, code, or file of data) consisting of alphabetical and numerical symbols

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of alphanumeric

First recorded in 1950–55; alpha(bet) + numeric(al)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over time, those markings were replaced with a unique alphanumeric code system, while deliveries came to rely on bicycles, motorbikes and Mumbai's suburban train network.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

It’s an alphanumeric code that the airline gives you after purchasing your ticket.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025

The alphanumeric code went out on the chats, on the Instagram.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

Williams noted that the Texas case involved the background art and designs on specialty plates, not the alphanumeric text.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

“Do you know how many different combinations there are in a sixteen-character alphanumeric code?”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023