decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
decoded; decoding; decodes

transitive verb

1
a
: to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form
b
: to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)
2
b
: to discover the underlying meaning of
decode the play's imagery

Did you know?

To decode is to take out of code and put into understandable language. (Its opposite is encode, "to put into coded form".) But dreams may sometimes also be decoded; psychologists often try to decode the images of their patients' dreams so as to understand the emotions behind them. And readers must often decode what a novel or story or poem is telling them, which may require two or three readings. Decipher is often a synonym, though we now use it when talking about reading difficult handwriting.

Examples of decode in a Sentence

Readers can easily decode the novel's imagery. I'm trying to decode the expression on her face. The box decodes the digital signal for your CD player.
Recent Examples on the Web Reading is a tool for the brothers to help decode the world around them. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024 The prosecutor also displayed photos of Melly that Polo identified as the rapper’s making gang signs as well as texts with G-Shine Blood lingo that the detective decoded while on the stand. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 June 2024 Andrew Cunningham The other place where the M2 Air falls short of the M2 iPad Pro is video encoding and decoding support. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024 Feyre continually loops through her memories of past pain, experiences that fuel both her romantic awakening and her ability to decode the enormous plot unspooling around her. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decode 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of decode was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near decode

Cite this Entry

“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

decode

verb
de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decode

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