decode

American  

[dee-kohd] / diˈkoʊd /

verb (used with object)

decoded, decoding

1. to translate (data or a message) from a code into the original language or form.

2. to extract meaning from (spoken or written symbols).

3. Television. to unscramble (an electronic signal) so as to provide a video picture for cable subscribers.

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verb (used without object)

decoded, decoding

1. to work at decoding.

decode British  

/ diːˈkəʊd /

verb

1. to convert (a message, text, etc) from code into ordinary language

2. computing to convert (coded characters) from one form to another, as from binary-coded decimals to decimal numbers Compare encode

3. electronics to convert (a coded electrical signal) into normal analogue components

4. to analyse and understand the construction of words and phrases, esp in a foreign language

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Other Word Forms

• decoder
  noun

Etymology

Origin of decode

First recorded in 1895–1900; de- + code

Explanation

When you translate a message from symbols or code into language, you decode it. British code breakers worked during World War II to decode Germany's coded messages. You might need to decode a secret message sent by a spy, but some computer scientists also decode the symbols in computer languages into grammatically correct language. Sometimes older people don't understand the lingo that younger people are using — they might ask a grandchild to help them decode lines in a song, for example. When sound engineers translate between analog and digital signals, they also decode.

Example Sentences

So look for Nvidia to discuss how Groq LPUs will help broaden and customize its future chip portfolio to address training, prefill, and decode.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

AI inference computing is divided into two main tasks: pre-fill, or the process by which a model interprets a user prompt, and decode, by which the model generates a response, one word at a time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Using EEG to decode movement attempts pushes the limits of current technology.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

When someone cares, you don’t have to decode it.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

She'd read about those who had vision marvels—people who could see into the past, predict the future, decode dreams and nightmares, decipher prophecies, and have special memories.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• clear up
• figure out
• interpret
• solve
• translate
• unravel
• unscramble
• untangle