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

Example Sentences

Cerebras claims its chips process AI model decode tasks up to 25 times faster than Nvidia’s GPUs, offering a premium service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

To read the data requires a special microscope that can see each layer, then decode the information using an algorithm powered by artificial intelligence.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

"We then look at this dance through a microscope with a camera and decode from the wiggles what the robots are saying to us. It's very similar to how honey bees communicate with each other."

From Science Daily • Jan. 6, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

“So, son, can you decode this thing? So far, our top cryptographers, all of whom are assembled here, haven’t been able to. What are the hostiles’ intentions?

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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