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
Each has its own software environment, tokenization support and decoding logic.
—
Andrew Riabchuk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The same message in hieroglyphs, Demotic and Greek allowed researchers to decode the images as language, but the new discovery is a bit different.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Either way, the findings do demonstrate that notably complex reactions once occurred on Mars — organic or not — adding yet more layers to the planet humans have been trying to decode since the dawn of astronomy.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The team says decoding how eels navigate diverse and challenging spaces could lead to the development of highly adaptable robots capable of performing complex tasks in different environments.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 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.
Andrew Riabchuk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The same message in hieroglyphs, Demotic and Greek allowed researchers to decode the images as language, but the new discovery is a bit different.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Either way, the findings do demonstrate that notably complex reactions once occurred on Mars — organic or not — adding yet more layers to the planet humans have been trying to decode since the dawn of astronomy.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The team says decoding how eels navigate diverse and challenging spaces could lead to the development of highly adaptable robots capable of performing complex tasks in different environments.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 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 14 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share