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 of interpreter

• practitioner
• exponent

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

Donoghue Homer and quietly curious special crimes officer Jodie Plumb, who have teamed up to solve the apparent murder of American Sign Language interpreter Floyd Smernitch (David Harbour). — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

The fair also offers a schedule of programs with ASL interpretation already planned, meaning guests do not have to request an interpreter for those events. — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Recently, Keller was among a number of interpreters involved in SignUp Media’s partnership with Netflix to do this work on dozens of the streaming platform’s original programming for kids and families, and licensed titles, available through SignUp. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

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