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
Pam Freir2
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
Whether the cardinals choose to continue down that path, or revert towards a hardline interpreter of biblical teachings, will be one question that hangs over the election.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Requesting a sign language interpreter is one example of an accommodation.13
Schools work with parents and students on individualized educational plans (IEPs) to ensure equal access and opportunity in school.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 20 Apr. 2025
The narrators of A Separation and Intimacies are translators, one who specializes in contemporary fiction and the other who works as a simultaneous interpreter.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Add in the necessity for an interpreter, and conversations after a bullpen session with Senga can easily surpass the average length of such a chat with other pitchers.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
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Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Requesting a sign language interpreter is one example of an accommodation.13
Schools work with parents and students on individualized educational plans (IEPs) to ensure equal access and opportunity in school.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 20 Apr. 2025
The narrators of A Separation and Intimacies are translators, one who specializes in contemporary fiction and the other who works as a simultaneous interpreter.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Add in the necessity for an interpreter, and conversations after a bullpen session with Senga can easily surpass the average length of such a chat with other pitchers.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
Cite this Entry
“Interpreter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpreter. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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