noun

barcode

BAR-kohd

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Barcode (noun) means a pattern of parallel bars or concentric circles that a machine can read to identify a product or other item. Example: “The cashier scanned the barcode on the tin of beans.”

noun

A pattern of parallel bars or concentric circles that a machine can read to identify a product or other item.

"The cashier scanned the barcode on the tin of beans."

"Each parcel has a barcode on its label."

"The barcode was smudged, so the scanner could not read it."

verb

To put a machine-readable code onto something.

"The warehouse staff barcode every box before it is shelved."

"We barcoded all the library books last summer."

"New stock is barcoded as soon as it arrives."

How to use barcode

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe striped label a scanner reads at the till.

When to use it

It is a neutral, everyday word.

Memory tip

You can write it as one word or as two, but stick to one form within a document.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

scan a barcode barcode reader barcode label print a barcode

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “barcode” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The cashier scanned the _____ on the tin of beans.

Etymology

Barcode is a compound of bar and code. The noun is first recorded in 1963.

Origin: English

Rhymes for barcode

ode rode code mode bode node lode diode abode erode Rhode Goode

See all rhymes for barcode →

Frequently asked questions

What is a barcode?

A barcode is a machine-readable set of bars or circles that encodes information. Scanners read it to identify an item.

Is barcode one word or two?

Both barcode and bar code are used, though barcode is the more common form.

What is the verb barcode?

As a verb it means to apply a machine-readable code to something, as in barcoding stock.

What is the meaning of barcode?

"barcode" (noun) means a pattern of parallel bars or concentric circles that a machine can read to identify a product or other item.

Example sentences

Sentences with a source are quoted from published work. Any opinions in them are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.

The self-checkout would not read the barcode, so she typed the number in.

The cashier scanned the barcode on the back of the book.

The barcode on a product usually starts with a code for the country.

Each patient wears a wristband with a barcode on it.

Every parcel in the warehouse carries its own barcode.

To make a barcode for your own products, a free barcode generator handles EAN and UPC for shops, Code 128 for shipping, and works out the check digit for you.

From Free Barcode Generator

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