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
None used data to decode cognitive and emotional roadblocks or offered personalized practices proven to rewire neural pathways over time.
—
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Then, just over two decades ago, the Human Genome Project — the international scientific effort to decode the three billion letters of human DNA — changed everything.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
The device, developed by researchers from the Faculty of Physics and the Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies, uses Rydberg atoms to detect and decode radio waves without relying on metal antennas or electrical circuits.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Cotton Incorporated’s trend forecasters, whose expertise lies in analyzing fashion, have decoded what consumers will be purchasing looking ahead.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Then, just over two decades ago, the Human Genome Project — the international scientific effort to decode the three billion letters of human DNA — changed everything.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
The device, developed by researchers from the Faculty of Physics and the Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies, uses Rydberg atoms to detect and decode radio waves without relying on metal antennas or electrical circuits.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Cotton Incorporated’s trend forecasters, whose expertise lies in analyzing fashion, have decoded what consumers will be purchasing looking ahead.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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