decoding

American  

[dee-koh-ding] / diˈkoʊ dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, process, or result of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code, written or spoken symbols, or an electronic signal.

   The device that performs the decoding is called a digital to analog converter.

   Recent decodings of the hieroglyphs at Palenque refer to dates beyond the end of the Mayan calendar.

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adjective

1. relating to the process of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code or an electronic signal.

   The decoding algorithm will have to discern a valid signal from the noise.

Etymology

Origin of decoding

First recorded in 1895–1900; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

“I’m all about decoding the rhythms of the music,” she adds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The second hurdle to overcome is the “software challenge” of decoding the brain’s signals and converting them to computer code.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

"In addition, neural network synchronous decoding reduced the need for complex measurements and step-by-step reconstruction, supporting more efficient readout and decoding. This could enable a practical route toward high-capacity, high-throughput holographic data storage."

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

In the journal Nature, Microsoft's research arm said Silica was the first glass storage technology that had been demonstrated to be reliable for writing, reading and decoding data.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

“Exactly. Thank you for understanding. I was so intent on decoding Willa’s mission that I underestimated Fleetwood’s ability to move quickly, and now he’s here, and—” My voice cracks with emotion.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• adaptation
• explanation
• reading
• rendering
• rendition
• transcription
• version