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

Quantum computing promises to solve problems that are difficult for current processors, such as decoding encryption, generating random numbers and large-scale simulations. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025

The current World No. 2 decoded the safe to the Grand Slam riches in 2023 after driving Aryna Sabalenka to distraction in front of a raucous New York crowd. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Parker’s plea for an extra 30 minutes to decode the second message is denied. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024

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