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

Spens goes further by describing this person as an opinionated interpreter between the business and technical ends of the spectrum. —Rachel Curry, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Irving granted the request after Naresh waived his right to a speedy trial through a Nepali interpreter. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Such videos are also crucial for the fundraising organized by Oleksandra, a conference interpreter and mother in Odesa who, like some others interviewed, asked that her last name be withheld. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2024

The church bulletin featured news items about local health services for the Deaf, information about finding sign language interpreters for Catholic funerals, and a class for adults who are deaf and want to learn about the sacrament of confirmation. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024

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