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

That bodes extremely well for plane spotting out in broad daylight this summer. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026

This all doesn’t bode well for the US’s ability to secure a durable and enforceable agreement. — Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

However, the unselfish captain has led MLS in assists so far, which may still bode well for South Korea. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026

Since entering my 30s, my skin has adopted a rough texture and fine lines, both of which bode poorly for optimal foundation application. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 12 June 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