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

These are the interpreters, the ones who were right alongside our combat veterans. —CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025

Volunteers may also provide free language interpreter services. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 7 Feb. 2025

Several stars have been seen walking the red carpet side by side with American Sign Language interpreters: Victoria Monet, Paris Hilton, Ceelo Green and Cynthia Erivo. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2025

Louis was a guide and interpreter for Great Lakes Indians coming to Albany. —Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 1 Feb. 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