interpreter

noun

in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prə-tər How to pronounce interpreter (audio)
-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

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 The backlog in the immigration courts surpassed three million cases last year, and there are not nearly enough judges and interpreters to tackle it effectively. Hamed Aleaziz, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Jalon Hall, who says Google used her as a symbol of diversity, claims the company denied her requests because interpreters would break confidentiality standards. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Hall rose to ask a manager about the interpreter’s whereabouts. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 Hartman Squire underscored the need for studios and networks to do the work to hire accessibility coordinators and sign language interpreters and implant wheelchair accessibilities to produce a more accessible work environment for all creatives. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Marshall is a fluent signer and professional interpreter. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2024 Nevertheless, McGonigal negotiated with a Deripaska associate for $25,000 monthly payments to be sent to an account controlled by Sergey Shestakov, an interpreter for the U.S. government who was a former Russian diplomat. Spencer S. Hsu, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Two separate audiologists in memos to Google said Hall needs an American Sign Language interpreter full-time. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 Marlee Matlin and Other Sundance Film Festival Jurors Walk Out of Premiere Over Captioning Malfunction NAD’s goals include getting more ASL interpreters in senior facilities, providing resources for the parents of deaf babies and improving the well-being of deaf youth. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interpreter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpreter was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interpreter

Cite this Entry

“Interpreter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpreter. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

interpreter

noun
in·​ter·​pret·​er in-ˈtər-prət-ər How to pronounce interpreter (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on interpreter

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