variants or less commonly bar code
plural barcodes also bar codes
1
: a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (such as identification) about the object it labels
… one version of the barcode reader used in supermarkets employs a laser scanner. Science
I on the other hand boarded the traditional way. I handed my paper printout to the airport personnel, who scanned the barcode before letting me proceed. Sanjeeb Patel
2
biology : something (such as a DNA sequence) that uniquely identifies a species of organism
… they now plan to analyze each fish sample by decoding a certain tiny piece of DNA that can serve as a unique bar code for the species. Christen Brownlee
bar coding noun

Examples of barcode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rockwell allegedly scanned the ring instead of the actual product barcodes to pay a fraction of their cost, the release said. Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025 Hold the barcode in the viewfinder until the corners of the viewfinder turn green. Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barcode was in 1963

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Barcode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barcode. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

bar code

noun
: a code made up of a group of printed and variously spaced bars and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!