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 doesn't bode well for large or small-scale woodworking projects, from DIY birdhouses to picnic tables. —Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026

And his insistence on cutting funding for pretty much everything that creates and sustains a civilization — including the arts and sciences, the humanities and health care, the environment and education — doesn’t bode well for our nascent nation. —Melody Moezzi, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Last season’s country club workload for Lawrence from Schoen, Brian Daboll and the Giants’ training staff, on his way back from elbow surgery, also does not bode well for an adjustment to the grueling program Harbaugh is promising. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

In addition, state tax revenues have been healthy — which bodes well for even more state education funding for school systems statewide. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 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