decode
verb
de·code
(ˌ)dē-ˈkōd 
decoded; decoding; decodes
1
a
: to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form
b
: to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)
2
b
: to discover the underlying meaning of
decode the play's imagery
Did you know?
To decode is to take out of code and put into understandable language. (Its opposite is encode, "to put into coded form".) But dreams may sometimes also be decoded; psychologists often try to decode the images of their patients' dreams so as to understand the emotions behind them. And readers must often decode what a novel or story or poem is telling them, which may require two or three readings. Decipher is often a synonym, though we now use it when talking about reading difficult handwriting.
Examples of decode in a Sentence
Readers can easily decode the novel's imagery.
I'm trying to decode the expression on her face.
The box decodes the digital signal for your CD player.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hodak works primarily on brain-computer interfaces (BCI), or technologies that decode brain activity to perform physical actions, sometimes using chips implanted in the brain.
—
Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 11 June 2026
Some teachers say the hurdle is not only decoding text.
—Wyles Daniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
In 2024, the team demonstrated its ability to measure radio-frequency field polarization and decode information encoded in that polarization.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Name what would feel balanced, then put the promise somewhere no one has to decode it.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 11 June 2026
Some teachers say the hurdle is not only decoding text.
—Wyles Daniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
In 2024, the team demonstrated its ability to measure radio-frequency field polarization and decode information encoded in that polarization.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Name what would feel balanced, then put the promise somewhere no one has to decode it.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decode
Cite this Entry
“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decode
verb
de·code
(ˈ)dē-ˈkōd
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder
noun
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