bode

1 of 2

verb

ˈbōd 

boded; boding

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

Synonyms of bode

Verb

• promise
• forebode

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

Verb

There’s too much change in the wind to make a forecast, but the Aztecs’ commitment to and mastery of defense, rebounding and culture should bode well. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

However, the situation bodes well for oil companies, including attractive names that pay steady dividends. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026

The combination of conference expansion and the nitty-gritty methodology behind the NET Rankings don’t bode well for that changing anytime soon. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026

If the Pistons can take the small sample size the Spurs have provided during these two matchups and find ways to alleviate pressure off Cunningham, that could bode well for Detroit’s playoff chances. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing bode

• bode ill
• bode well

Rhymes for bode

• blowed
• code
• crowed
• flowed
• glowed
• goad
• growed
• knowed
• load
• lode
• lowed
• mode

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb

ˈbōd 

boded; boding

: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide