decode

verb

de·​code (ˌ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
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
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
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.
But decoding the pictograms could be a culturally and historically significant task. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 There are a few reasons it’s been so hard to decode. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 Right winger: Cristian Espinoza, San Jose Earthquakes Since MLS decoded Matias Almeyda’s man-marking system in 2019, the Quakes have struggled to keep up with MLS’s growth. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 The software will then decode and translate the neural data into actions, such as moving a cursor or a chess piece on a computer screen, playing video games and even using design software. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decode

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of decode was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decode. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

decode

verb
de·​code (ˈ)dē-ˈkōd How to pronounce decode (audio)
: to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
decoder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decode

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