decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd 

decoded; decoding; decodes

transitive verb

1

a

: to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form

b

: to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)

2

a

: decipher sense 3a

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.

Synonyms of decode

• decipher

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

Reading is done at GB/s data rates using high-speed image sensors and parallel high speed image processing for decoding. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Now, after eight years of investigation, the Aarhus team has finally decoded this vascular paradox. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026

Quite a challenge for Stidham, Webb and Payton to decode this week. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026

In fact, the face is so important to our social fabric that there’s an area of the brain—called the fusiform face area—devoted exclusively to decoding it. —Valerie Monroe, Allure, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for decode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

decode

verb

de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd 

: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language

decoder noun