bode

1 of 2

verb

boded; boding
Synonyms of bodenext

transitive verb

1
: to indicate (something, such as a future event) by signs : presage
bode disaster
recent data that bodes well for her reelection
2
archaic : to announce beforehand : foretell

see also bode ill, bode well

bode

2 of 2

past tense of bide

Examples of bode in a Sentence

Verb This could bode disaster for all involved. her natural gift for reading boded well for her future in school
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
That being said, going into Sunday's game without three starting offensive linemen certainly doesn't bode well for a Chiefs team that has struggled up front all season long. Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Varas and sporting director Tyler Heaps did fabulous work, boding well for a stellar second season. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025 That bodes well for the Broncos across the next couple months. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025 The cost of health care is likely Washington’s next big fight, and the way Congress acquitted itself so poorly during the shutdown does not bode well for Americans looking for real relief. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bode

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English bodian; akin to Old English bēodan to proclaim — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bode was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bode. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb
boded; boding
: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide

More from Merriam-Webster on bode

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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