interpreter

noun

in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prə-tər How to pronounce interpreter (audio)
-pə-
plural interpreters
1
: someone or something that interprets: such as
a
: someone who translates for individuals or groups conversing in different languages
an interpreter at the United Nations
a sign language interpreter
b
: someone who explains or expounds
Aside from his Nobel Prize-winning work on quantum electrodynamics (don't ask), [Richard P.] Feynman was an interpreter of Maya hieroglyphics …Pam Freir
2
a
: a machine that prints on punch cards the symbols recorded in them by perforations
b
: a computer program that executes each of a set of high-level instructions before going to the next instruction

Examples of interpreter in a Sentence

He has now learned English well enough that he can conduct interviews without an interpreter. Monet is generally regarded as the foremost interpreter of pure impressionism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dodgers at the time hired Mizuhara, Ohtani's interpreter for the previous six seasons with the Angels. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Ryan began looking for an interpreter, but by the next day, was informed his client had been moved to another facility, further away. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 21 May 2025 And in this parish of 12,000 Catholics from more than 100 countries, those who make a living as interpreters fear their jobs will soon be obsolete. Motoko Rich, New York Times, 15 May 2025 But real-time sign translation could effectively give deaf folks an interpreter in their pocket. Simon Hill, Wired News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpreter

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpreter was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpreter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpreter. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

interpreter

noun
in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prət-ər How to pronounce interpreter (audio)
1
: one that interprets
especially : a person who translates orally for people speaking different languages
2
: a computer program that translates an instruction into machine language and executes it before going to the next instruction

More from Merriam-Webster on interpreter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!