encryption

noun

en·​cryp·​tion in-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce encryption (audio)
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …Paul Wallich
… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.Elizabeth Millard
2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.Ana Swanson

Examples of encryption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In 2024, Chinese researchers at Shanghai University determined that a quantum computer could crack popular encryption algorithms that VPNs, web browsers, and even government computers rely upon. Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025 That stock messaging has now upgraded to RCS, and when mobile standards setter GSMA adds end-to-end encryption to its standard RCS protocol, that same messaging will finally be fully secured. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Enable encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025 At its core, encryption is, fundamentally, very complicated math. Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for encryption

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encryption was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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