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
In the 20th century, America won the space race, decoded the human genome, and ushered in the internet age -- not by accident, but through a strategic national commitment to research and development rooted in freedom, enterprise, and a clear sense of purpose.
—
Brian Babin, National Review, 17 July 2025
This raw data then gets processed through analysis software like Cellebrite’s Physical Analyzer, where it’s decoded, organized, and made searchable.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning algorithms, then decodes these signals and translates them into commands for a robotic hand.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
The field has also become specialized, Hochberg says, with some groups focused on decoding speech while others work on improving control of robotic limbs.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decode
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Brian Babin, National Review, 17 July 2025
This raw data then gets processed through analysis software like Cellebrite’s Physical Analyzer, where it’s decoded, organized, and made searchable.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning algorithms, then decodes these signals and translates them into commands for a robotic hand.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
The field has also become specialized, Hochberg says, with some groups focused on decoding speech while others work on improving control of robotic limbs.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 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 29 Jul. 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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