interlocutor

noun

in·​ter·​loc·​u·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈlä-kyə-tər 

1

: one who takes part in dialogue or conversation

2

: a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader

Did you know?

It may not necessarily be grandiloquence to use the word interlocutor in casual speech, but if your interlocutors—that is, the people with whom you are speaking—are using it, your conversation is likely a formal one. Interlocutor is one of many English words that comes from the Latin verb loqui, “to speak,” including loquacious (“talkative”), eloquent (“capable of fluent or vivid speech”), and grandiloquence (“extravagant or pompous speech”). In interlocutor, loqui was joined to inter- forming a Latin word meaning “to speak between” or “to issue an interlocutory decree.” An interlocutory decree is a judicial decision that isn’t final, or that deals with a point other than the principal subject matter of the dispute.

Examples of interlocutor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what really rankles is the idea that these digital interlocutors are a plausible substitute for real friends or family. —Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

The site requested microphone access (its reliance on voice input limits its utility in public spaces), after which my software interlocutor began speaking. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025

Malaparte's method is to charm his interlocutors into relaxing and casually exposing their monstrous selves. —Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025

He’s done this while being loathed by many of his foreign interlocutors. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin interloqui to speak between, issue an interlocutory decree, from inter- + loqui to speak

First Known Use

1514, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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