Jump To:

• QR code
  QR code

  the brand name for a matrix barcode that is read by photographing it with the camera of a smartphone or other mobile device that is equipped with a 2D barcode reader.
• QR Code
  QR Code

  noun

  a type of bar code that can be read both horizontally and vertically, allowing large amounts of information to be encoded in it

QR code

American  

[kyoo-ahr kohd] / ˈkyuˈɑr ˌkoʊd /

Trademark.

1. the brand name for a matrix barcode that is read by photographing it with the camera of a smartphone or other mobile device that is equipped with a 2D barcode reader.

   Scan the QR code in our print ads to link to special offers on our website.

---

QR Code British  

noun

1. a type of bar code that can be read both horizontally and vertically, allowing large amounts of information to be encoded in it

---

Etymology

Origin of QR code

First recorded in 1990–95; abbreviation of quick-response code

Example Sentences

It includes a QR code that directs people to a Chevron webpage asking people to “speak up for affordable, reliable energy.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Saturday's limited sale followed days of teasing the release online on a newly-created Cockroaches Instagram page and website and, in London at least, through posters featuring a QR code linking back to the website.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The appearance is free, though Pulido’s campaign asks the families to share a QR code attendees can scan to input their contact information so they invite them to other events.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The record-setting QR code and its verification process, including electron microscope readout, were conducted jointly by TU Wien and Cerabyte in front of witnesses.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

I took the bookmark, which had a pretty logo, a Scrollr link, and a QR code.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows