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.

---

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

The all-cash transaction would include Honeywell’s hardware, software and services for high-volume, automated data collection and tracking in mobile computers, barcode scanners and printing, the companies said Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The technology required teachers to barcode and upload each exam question individually for each credit, which was a challenge initially.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

"Each specimen gets a catalog number. It's like a barcode," Motta said.

From Science Daily • Jan. 6, 2026

To access the data, shoppers will have to scan the QR code, then enter the 12-digit barcode number, along with a separate lot number.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

The guard passes a UV light over my arm and a small fluorescent barcode appears at the base of my hand, a number unique to me, 0000105.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed