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