bode

1 of 2

verb

boded; boding
Synonyms of bodenext

transitive verb

1
: to indicate (something, such as a future event) by signs : presage
bode disaster
recent data that bodes well for her reelection
2
archaic : to announce beforehand : foretell

see also bode ill, bode well

bode

2 of 2

past tense of bide

Examples of bode in a Sentence

Verb This could bode disaster for all involved. her natural gift for reading boded well for her future in school
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Still, an additional week of preparation could bode well for the rookie quarterback. Miami Herald, 25 Dec. 2025 The collapse of the Net Zero Banking Alliance – which only required non-binding long-term pledges – didn’t bode well. Andrew Winston, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025 In terms of pitch mix, the 21-year-old’s fastball plays better than its mid-90s velocity, which bodes well considering the strides other pitchers have made increasing their velo in Boston’s pitching program. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 All of which bodes well for a rich list this time next year. Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bode

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English bodian; akin to Old English bēodan to proclaim — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bode was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bode. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb
boded; boding
: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide

More from Merriam-Webster on bode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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