interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
For her interpretation, the CG artist and creative director opted for flowers and wildlife.
—
Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Regulatory guidance from the federal agency from 2013 and 2020 supported this interpretation and established some definitions for the documentation housing providers could request.
—Shari Wald Garrett, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Williams, who was sponsored by Puma at the time, wore an interpretation of the shirt at the French Open that year, complete with long, football-style yellow socks.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
After all, the Southern California–based restomod house’s latest interpretation of the Porsche 911 weighs just 2,750 pounds, yet can send 1,067 hp to the rear wheels—output managed by a six-speed manual transmission.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Regulatory guidance from the federal agency from 2013 and 2020 supported this interpretation and established some definitions for the documentation housing providers could request.
—Shari Wald Garrett, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Williams, who was sponsored by Puma at the time, wore an interpretation of the shirt at the French Open that year, complete with long, football-style yellow socks.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
After all, the Southern California–based restomod house’s latest interpretation of the Porsche 911 weighs just 2,750 pounds, yet can send 1,067 hp to the rear wheels—output managed by a six-speed manual transmission.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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