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

He sees this as a bigger challenge but says advances in AI will speed up development, helping researchers decode ever more complex thoughts and make brain-computer interfaces more sophisticated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

CPUs can excel in this kind of sequential computing, but what you’d really like to have are purpose-built chips that can handle decode cheaply and efficiently, without, for example, the need for pricey off-chip memory.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

"It's easier to have a spatial mapping of what you're trying to decode compared to the lower limbs."

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

There were things to look for, an unspoken language of movement and form to decipher, passwords to exchange, and glances to decode.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

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