decode
verb
de·code
(ˌ)dē-ˈkōd 
decoded; decoding; decodes
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
These messages can be decoded by using watercolors to paint over the message.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 Apr. 2025
The exact meaning of the president’s words are often difficult to decode, whether by accident or design.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
The quartet is designed, however, to work together as a single instrument with the power to decode some of our star's biggest mysteries.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Speed and accuracy: The system can begin decoding brain signals and outputting speech within a second of the patient attempting to speak, a significant improvement from the eight-second delay in a previous study from 2023.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 Apr. 2025
The exact meaning of the president’s words are often difficult to decode, whether by accident or design.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
The quartet is designed, however, to work together as a single instrument with the power to decode some of our star's biggest mysteries.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Speed and accuracy: The system can begin decoding brain signals and outputting speech within a second of the patient attempting to speak, a significant improvement from the eight-second delay in a previous study from 2023.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
Cite this Entry
“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decode
verb
de·code
(ˈ)dē-ˈkōd
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder
noun
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