noun

QR code

kyoo-AR kohd

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QR code (noun) means a square, two-dimensional barcode made up of a pattern of black and white squares, typically scanned with a smartphone camera to open a website or other digital information. Example: “He scanned the QR code on the poster to bring up the event's booking page.”

noun

neutral A square, two-dimensional barcode made up of a pattern of black and white squares, typically scanned with a smartphone camera to open a website or other digital information.

"He scanned the QR code on the poster to bring up the event's booking page."

"The menu was printed with a QR code instead of a list of dishes."

"Always test-scan a QR code before you print a thousand flyers."

"The shop put a QR code for payments next to the till."

"The brand used a custom QR code with its logo in the middle."

"A dynamic QR code lets you change where it points after the code has been printed."

"A static QR code never expires, because the link is stored in the pattern itself."

"The café made a QR code for its website and printed it on every receipt."

"Guests joined the network by scanning a Wi-Fi QR code on the wall."

"He made a QR code for the PDF so people could download the programme."

"You can create a QR code for free in a few seconds with an online QR code generator."

"You can scan a QR code from a screenshot without pointing another phone at it."

"Download the QR code as an SVG so it stays sharp at any size when printed."

"Many restaurants swapped paper menus for a menu QR code on each table."

"The teacher shared a QR code for the Google Form so students could answer on their phones."

"She added a QR code to her business card so people could save her contact details."

"Most phone cameras will scan a QR code without a separate app."

How to use QR code

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA QR code is a square barcode pattern that a phone camera can scan to jump straight to a website or other information.

When to use it

A neutral, everyday term used across technology, marketing and retail.

Memory tip

Remember that QR code is written as two words (or hyphenated as QR-code), not as one word.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

scan a QR code QR code on the poster QR code menu

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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 “QR code” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He scanned the _____ on the poster to bring up the event's booking page.

Etymology

The term is short for Quick Response Code, a name introduced as a trademark for this type of barcode.

Origin: English

Rhymes for QR code

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

See all rhymes for QR code →

Frequently asked questions

What does QR code stand for?

It is short for Quick Response Code, the trademarked name given to this type of barcode.

What is a QR code used for?

It's a square barcode you scan with a phone camera to jump straight to a linked website or piece of information.

Is QR code spelt differently anywhere?

Yes, it also appears written as QR-code, with a hyphen joining the two parts.

How do you make a QR code?

Put the link or text into a QR code generator, choose any colours or logo, then download the image as a PNG or SVG. Test-scan it with your phone before you print it.

Do QR codes expire?

A static QR code does not expire, because the link is written into the pattern itself. A dynamic QR code points to a short link that its provider controls, so it can stop working if that service ends.

How do you scan a QR code?

Open your phone's camera and point it at the code; most phones read it without a separate app. On a computer, you can upload a screenshot or photo of the code to an online QR code scanner.

What is the difference between a QR code and a barcode?

A barcode stores a short number in a single row of lines. A QR code is a two-dimensional grid of squares that can hold much more, such as a full web address.

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.

Before you open a link from a QR code, check where it really goes.

Scan the QR code on the table to see the menu.

The concert tickets arrived as a QR code on her phone.

Point your camera at the QR code and a link pops up.

The museum put a QR code beside every painting.

To make a QR code with your own logo and colours, a QR code generator can test-scan the design as you go, with no sign-up and a code that never expires.

From QR Code Generator

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