interpreter

noun

in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prə-tər 

-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

Synonyms

• exponent
• expounder
• guru
• high priest
• practitioner

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

Plus, Nelson will now have an audible voice that people can understand at a normal tempo, without the need of a voice-over or interpreter. —Rachel Curry, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025

Volunteers can work as a certified tax preparer, a runner and office assistant, a savings ambassador, an intake specialist, a quality reviewer or as an interpreter. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2025

Although the actresses both starred as Mariko, a mysterious character who serves as an interpreter between Japanese Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Protestant Englishman John Blackthorne, the 2024 and 1980 series differed in significant ways. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025

Sawai's Mariko serves as a critical interpreter between the powerful Lord Yoshii Toranaga and an Englishman shipwrecked in Japan, John Blackthorne. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpreter

• through an interpreter

Kids Definition

interpreter

noun

in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prət-ər 

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