decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
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
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 Experts plan to continue studying the tablet in hopes of further decoding its carvings. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024 The cautious clinical work allows Precision to validate and verify all the aspects of the device—the sensing array, the electronics, and the decoding software—while also getting a glimpse of potential pitfalls. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 June 2024 When the clash involves two of the biggest pop stars alive, and their mighty fandoms are the ones decoding their insinuations, even subtle or unintentional slights can become amplified to the point of absurdity. Aja Romano, Vox, 1 June 2024 To turn that into something humans can hear, a laser measures the shaft’s subtle movements, like a spider decoding its web. Jordan Pearson, New York Times, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for decode 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of decode was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near decode

Cite this Entry

“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

decode

verb
de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decode

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