Scan the QR Code: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：scan a QR code (scan the QR code)

scan the QR code 🔊

/skæn ðə ˌkjuːˈɑːr koʊd/

phr.v.

To use a device's camera to read a QR code and access the information or action it represents, like paying or opening a link.

Person scanning QR code on poster with smartphone in mall

scan a QR code 🔊

➕

/skæn ə ˌkjuːˈɑːr koʊd/

phr.v.

To use the camera on a mobile device to capture the pattern of a Quick Response code and access the linked information or perform an action such as paying or opening a website.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

scan (Latin scandere, climb) + QR (Quick Response) + code (Latin codex, book)

💡 Mnemonic

Quickly Respond by scanning the square code.

📖 Example

At the cafe, scan the QR code on the table to view the digital menu and order your favorite drink. 🔊 In the coffee shop, use your phone to scan the QR code placed on the table, which allows you to see the online menu and place an order for your preferred beverage.

🔗 Collocations

scan a QR code – use a camera to read a QR code

scan the QR code to pay – use QR code scanning for payment

scan a QR code for information – get information by scanning a QR code

🔄 Synonyms

read a QR code (phr.v.) – to interpret the data in a QR code using a device

scan a barcode (phr.v.) – to use a scanner to read a barcode (like a QR code)

use the camera to scan (phrase) – to employ a smartphone camera to capture a code

🌱 Derivatives

scanner (n.) – a device or app that scans codes

QR code reader (n.) – a tool to decode QR codes

scannable (adj.) – able to be scanned

📖 Cultural Story

Invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking auto parts, QR codes now enable quick access to digital content via smartphone cameras.