alphanumeric

American  

[al-fuh-noo-mer-ik, -nyoo-] / ˌæl fə nuˈmɛr ɪk, -nyu- /

Also alphameric

adjective

Computers.

1. (of a set of characters) including letters, numbers, and, often, special characters, as punctuation marks.

   alphanumeric code.

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alphanumeric British  

/ ˌælfənjuːˈmɛrɪk, ˌælfəˈmɛrɪk /

adjective

1. (of a character set, code, or file of data) consisting of alphabetical and numerical symbols

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Other Word Forms

• alphamerically adverb
• alphanumerically adverb

Etymology

Origin of alphanumeric

First recorded in 1950–55; alpha(bet) + numeric(al)

Example Sentences

It’s an alphanumeric code that the airline gives you after purchasing your ticket.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025

The alphanumeric code went out on the chats, on the Instagram.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

This, said the expert, would have been armed by a signal, something called an alphanumeric text message.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

In ruling for Overington, Judge Gregory Williams rejected the DMV’s arguments that the alphanumeric combination of letters and numbers on vanity plates constitutes “government speech” and can be regulated as officials see fit.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

“Do you know how many different combinations there are in a sixteen-character alphanumeric code?”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti