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

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity and is translated by Song’s interpreter, Jun Yi. — Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026

Ortiz attended virtually with the assistance of an interpreter. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

There will be meals provided, childcare, and Spanish/American Sign Language interpreters. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Explore what independence meant to citizens, and celebrate the 250th with skilled interpreters, militia marching, interactive games and crafts, colonial music, vendors and more. — Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 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