bode

1 of 2

verb

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

bode

2 of 2

past tense of bide

Phrases
bode ill
: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be unfavorable or unwelcome : to be a sign of trouble to come
Any further diminishing of the species' gene pool can only bode ill for the future.John Hew Fanshawe
bode well
: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be good or favorable : to be a sign of good things to come
… the news … does not bode well for our future standard of living.Lester C. Thurow

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
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Verb
The addition of Williams, on the surface, does not bode well for former third-round pick Brodric Martin. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Still, the selection of Grant could bode scary for opposing offensive coordinators as the Dolphins should enter into a camp with a healthy defensive front that also includes Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025 The historical comparisons do not bode well for the current administration. Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The historic season also bodes well for elevating donor support. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bode

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bode was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bode. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb
boded; boding
: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide

More from Merriam-Webster on bode

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