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
That system, which had a delay of about eight seconds to decode her brain patterns, would speak full sentences at once.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
If the James Webb Space Telescope's expertise is decoding the intricacies of an ancient star, SPHEREx's expertise is mapping out all the stuff around the star.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
In a world where CMOs, brand leaders, and marketers are obsessed with decoding Gen Z—conducting endless studies, manufacturing relevance through trend cycles—these five young designers handed me something more powerful than data: truth.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Everyone rallies around and figures out the letters, and Eva eventually decodes it.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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.
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
If the James Webb Space Telescope's expertise is decoding the intricacies of an ancient star, SPHEREx's expertise is mapping out all the stuff around the star.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
In a world where CMOs, brand leaders, and marketers are obsessed with decoding Gen Z—conducting endless studies, manufacturing relevance through trend cycles—these five young designers handed me something more powerful than data: truth.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Everyone rallies around and figures out the letters, and Eva eventually decodes it.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 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 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decode
verb
de·code
(ˈ)dē-ˈkōd
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share