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

• break
• crack
• decipher
• decrypt

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

Project Ceti, for example, has been decoding the click trains of sperm whales and the songs of humpbacks. —Arik Kershenbaum, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

To make things worse for the intruder, the system can decode the drone's Remote ID and read off detailed readouts on its location, speed, and altitude, among other interesting tidbits. —New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024

To be clear, though, Bose says the Smart Soundbar is set to decode all audio in 5.1.2 signals and route it through the five speakers built into the soundbar. —PCMAG, 28 Oct. 2024

Stine has penned a compelling novel about love and a world decoded with new language. —Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

decode

verb

de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd 

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

decoder noun