encode

American  

[en-kohd] / ɛnˈkoʊd /

verb (used with object)

encodes, present (3rd person singular) encoded, past participle, past encoding present participle

1. to convert (a message, information, etc.) into code.

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encode British  

/ ɪnˈkəʊd /

verb

1. to convert (a message) from plain text into code

2. computing to convert (characters and symbols) into a digital form as a series of impulses Compare decode

3. to convert (an electrical signal) into a form suitable for transmission

4. to convert (a nerve signal) into a form that can be received by the brain

5. to use (a word, phrase, etc, esp of a foreign language) in the construction appropriate to it in that language

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encode Scientific  

/ ĕn-kōd′ /

1. To specify the genetic code for the synthesis of a protein molecule or a part of a protein molecule.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• encodement
  noun
• encoder
  noun
• encodable
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Participles

• encoding
  present
• encoded
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• encode
  simple
• encodes
  simple
• have encoded
  perfect
• has encoded
  perfect
• am encoding
  progressive
• are encoding
  progressive
• is encoding
  progressive
• have been encoding
  perfect progressive
• has been encoding
  perfect progressive

Past

• encoded
  simple
• had encoded
  perfect
• was encoding
  progressive
• were encoding
  progressive
• had been encoding
  perfect progressive

Future

• will encode
  simple
• will have encoded
  perfect
• will be encoding
  progressive
• will have been encoding
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of encode

First recorded in 1930–35; en- ¹ + code

Explanation

To encode something is to put it into a coded form. During World War II, countries would encode messages so that if they were intercepted, their enemies couldn't understand them. There are various reasons why information might need to be written in code: spies and secret agents need to encode messages so that only people who know the code can decipher their meanings. Computer languages are also thought of as codes, and when you convert information into one of these languages, you also encode it — although this modern meaning is usually shortened to the verb code.

Example Sentences

“They reflect a broader pattern: companies making rushed public commitments only after harm has occurred,” said Adam Billen, vice president of public policy at Encode AI, a youth-led activist coalition advocating for AI safety.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2025

Schlage Encode Plus works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google and doesn’t require a hub or bridge.

From The Verge • Jan. 4, 2022

The lock is available in the same styles and finishes as the Encode: the more traditional Camelot design or the more modern Century option.

From The Verge • Jan. 4, 2022

“Everything that Encode claims is wrong,” charged the lead author of the paper, Professor Dan Graur, of Houston University.

From Forbes • Feb. 25, 2013

The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements Project, nicknamed Encode, is the most comprehensive effort to make sense of the totality of the 3 billion nucleotides that are packed into our cells.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2012