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

This bodes well for Caleb, who has thrown for two TD passes six games in a row. —Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026

Akron makes just shy of 40 percent of its 3s and over 60 percent of its 2s, and rarely gets the ball stolen, which bodes well in March. —Brendan Marks, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

After all, besties Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are both nominated in separate categories this year, which also bodes well for red-carpet antics and fashion moments alike. —Glamour, 11 Jan. 2026

Not only do the four statues bode well for the film’s future, but the room buzzed with good will for Anderson, who didn’t try to hide his glee. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 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

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