transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce transcription (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transcribing
2
: copy, transcript: such as
a
: an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original
b
: a recording (as on magnetic tape) made especially for use in radio broadcasting
3
: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare translation sense 2, reverse transcription
transcriptional adjective
transcriptionally adverb

Examples of transcription in a Sentence

Transcription of the tapes took weeks.
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.
Providing accurate transcription services to court reporting firms, researchers and businesses. Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors. ABC News, 11 May 2025 Facebook was rolling out, and the company claimed all users who opted in to the transcription service were aware of the potential human review system. New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025 This comes as interest in AI transcription has grown by more than 250% in the past two years. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcription

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcription was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transcription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcription. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

transcription

noun
tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce transcription (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transcribing
2
3
: the process of forming a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a guide compare translation sense 2

Medical Definition

transcription

noun
tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce transcription (audio)
: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare reverse transcription, translation
transcriptional adjective
transcriptionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on transcription

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!