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

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

Our belief is that is going to bode well for him during the season to go along with the sinker. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The competition committee’s stated desire to play in the nation’s largest media markets seemingly bodes well for at least two of Texas’ tour stops. —Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

And the path to Sunday’s title game doesn’t bode well for the 49ers. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 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