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
The implant then decodes the information and sends it wirelessly to the Neuralink app on a computer, which takes actions on the screen on behalf of the user.
—
PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
The post quickly resonated with parents and teachers alike, many of whom admitted feeling similarly lost when trying to decode the ever-changing vocabulary of Gen Alpha.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Here are the lyrics of The Life of a Showgirl's Track 4, decoded.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
These tiny passengers are now proving to be powerful storytellers, helping scientists decode ancient pandemics, dietary habits, and population dynamics.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
The post quickly resonated with parents and teachers alike, many of whom admitted feeling similarly lost when trying to decode the ever-changing vocabulary of Gen Alpha.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Here are the lyrics of The Life of a Showgirl's Track 4, decoded.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
These tiny passengers are now proving to be powerful storytellers, helping scientists decode ancient pandemics, dietary habits, and population dynamics.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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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