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
Second, between February and October 1942, the Germans changed the anatomy of their Enigma cipher machine, meaning the Allies were unable to decode the messages sent to and from U-boats.
—
Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
The computer then decodes these signals, allowing Smith to move a cursor on the screen with his thoughts alone.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
The method’s potential extends far beyond this study — from bog bodies to mummies and even ancient hormones — offering researchers an unprecedented toolkit for decoding the biological lives of our ancestors.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025
Unlike the previous Bundesliga opponents, Stuttgart boss Hoeneß seemed to have decoded Bielefeld a bit.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
The computer then decodes these signals, allowing Smith to move a cursor on the screen with his thoughts alone.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
The method’s potential extends far beyond this study — from bog bodies to mummies and even ancient hormones — offering researchers an unprecedented toolkit for decoding the biological lives of our ancestors.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025
Unlike the previous Bundesliga opponents, Stuttgart boss Hoeneß seemed to have decoded Bielefeld a bit.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
Cite this Entry
“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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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