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

Plus, state parks tend to be less crowded and more affordable—two things that bode well for overnight guests. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

All these pressure points bode well for Warren and the Bears. —Chris Tye, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026

Budanov’s rise bodes well for Ukraine’s prospects in peace talks, too. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Jan. 2026

Ohio State had plenty of things go right that should bode well for the future, as well as some things that need adjusting. —Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 16 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