identifier

unique label / code name / recognition device

Noun

pl: identifiers

This term functions as a technical label used to isolate a specific entity from a larger group. It carries a connotation of precision and uniqueness, often appearing in administrative, legal, or technical contexts where ambiguity must be eliminated. In software engineering, the term refers specifically to the naming conventions used for code elements. While a name might be shared across different contexts, an identifier is intended to be a distinct marker within a specific scope to ensure the system can reference the correct object.

Meanings

Noun

A piece of information, such as a name or a number, used to uniquely distinguish one person, object, or entity from another.

"The employee ID number serves as a unique identifier for each staff member."

Noun

In computing, a sequence of characters used as a name for a variable, function, or other entity within a program's source code.

"The programmer chose a descriptive identifier for the variable to make the code easier to read."

Noun

"The security gate uses an RFID identifier to grant access to authorized personnel."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error