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
As a result, the Rubin CPX, while built on the same Rubin AI GPU architecture, is designed differently than the Rubin AI GPU, with 128GB of GDDR7 memory plus hardware encode and decode engines to support video generation.
—
Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
To interpret the results, the team will develop computer algorithms that decode which neurons are firing and what that activity means.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
In China, people are using DeepSeek to try to decode their fortunes.
—Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 16 Sep. 2025
The problem with playing charades is that not all the players are able to decode the pantomime.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
To interpret the results, the team will develop computer algorithms that decode which neurons are firing and what that activity means.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
In China, people are using DeepSeek to try to decode their fortunes.
—Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 16 Sep. 2025
The problem with playing charades is that not all the players are able to decode the pantomime.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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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