decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd 

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

a

: decipher sense 3a

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.

Synonyms of decode

• decipher

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

Auditory attention decoding tries to read those EEG signals and figure out which speaker the person wants to hear. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

In this new work, the interference was decoded by modeling how local electrical imbalances at grain boundaries disrupt charge movement. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Nobody on a subway platform is consciously decoding your media strategy. — Adam Salacuse, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

As for the wedding party, there were no bridesmaid dresses to decode. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for decode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

decode

verb

de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd 

: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language

decoder noun