bode

1 of 2

verb

boded; boding

transitive verb

1
: to indicate (something, such as a future event) by signs : presage
bode disaster
recent data that bodes well for her reelection
2
archaic : to announce beforehand : foretell

bode

2 of 2

past tense of bide

Phrases
bode ill
: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be unfavorable or unwelcome : to be a sign of trouble to come
Any further diminishing of the species' gene pool can only bode ill for the future.John Hew Fanshawe
bode well
: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be good or favorable : to be a sign of good things to come
… the news … does not bode well for our future standard of living.Lester C. Thurow

Examples of bode in a Sentence

Verb This could bode disaster for all involved. her natural gift for reading boded well for her future in school
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Banks was a dominant performer against Ohio State’s vaunted front four, which bodes well for his NFL prospects. Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 To have a third consecutive vice president lack a significant and successful role in executive-branch business — involving White Houses of both parties — would make matters look less like an anomaly (e.g., Quayle) and more like the new normal, which bodes ill for the institution. Roy Brownell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025 Once again, the Chiefs would get to host this game at Arrowhead Stadium, which bodes well for football fans hoping to spot Taylor Swift in Kelce's VIP suite. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025 His deep delivery of the song and compelling narrative bode well for Favela’s upcoming album, Origen, to be released on Jan. 23. Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bode 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English bodian; akin to Old English bēodan to proclaim — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bode was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bode

Cite this Entry

“Bode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bode. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb
boded; boding
: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide

More from Merriam-Webster on bode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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