decode
Americanverb (used with object)
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to translate (data or a message) from a code into the original language or form.
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to extract meaning from (spoken or written symbols).
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Television. to unscramble (an electronic signal) so as to provide a video picture for cable subscribers.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to convert (a message, text, etc) from code into ordinary language
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computing to convert (coded characters) from one form to another, as from binary-coded decimals to decimal numbers Compare encode
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electronics to convert (a coded electrical signal) into normal analogue components
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to analyse and understand the construction of words and phrases, esp in a foreign language
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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decodesimple
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decodessimple
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have decodedperfect
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has decodedperfect
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am decodingprogressive
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are decodingprogressive
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is decodingprogressive
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have been decodingperfect progressive
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has been decodingperfect progressive
Past
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decodedsimple
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had decodedperfect
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was decodingprogressive
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were decodingprogressive
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had been decodingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of decode
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.
Vocabulary lists containing decode
All the Noise at Once
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Explain
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She has learned to decode nutrition labels and developed a taste for salads and nuts.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026
In “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, threat actors are intercepting and storing massive volumes of encrypted data, which they intend to decode as soon as more mature quantum technology becomes available.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
The hidden number inside the envelope would finally allow him to decode his team's results.
From Science Daily • May 18, 2026
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
I don’t have to keep up with anyone, run as fast, aim as well, make loud explosive noises, decode messages, die on cue.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
