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

But the emails are being scrutinized by the public and by influencers on social media, many of whom — both on the left and the right — are inaccurately decoding them. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025

In 2024, scientists decoded sperm whale codas. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025

My work happens where languages don’t line up, where meaning must be reimagined rather than decoded and flattened. —Ross Benjamin, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

Once decoded, the coordinates pointed directly to Guadalajara. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

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