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 does not bode well for Democrats’ hopes in the November elections. —Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

There is only so much drama to be found in the first 24 hours, and yet some Islanders have already managed to get their feelings hurt, which bodes well for the next six weeks — for us the viewers anyway. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 June 2026

Even so, the relatively low level of support for his highest profile challenger, former Sheriff Alex Villanueva (with just 24% support), bodes well for Luna. —The Editorial Board, Daily News, 3 June 2026

The report by Skyscanner, a free global search engine for travel, sketches out a dynamic that bodes well for merchants and cities hoping for an economic boost similar to other major events that have taken place in recent months. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 3 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