transcribe

verb

tran·​scribe tran(t)-ˈskrīb 

transcribed; transcribing

transitive verb

1

a

: to make a written copy of

b

: to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine (such as a computer)

c

: to paraphrase or summarize in writing

d

: write down, record

2

a

: to represent (speech sounds) by means of phonetic symbols

b

: translate sense 1a

c

: to transfer (data) from one recording form to another

d

: to record (a radio broadcast) for later transmission

The old radio sitcoms were transcribed onto magnetic tape.

3

: to make a musical transcription of

4

: to cause (DNA or RNA) to undergo genetic transcription

transcriber noun

Examples of transcribe in a Sentence

He transcribed all of his great-grandfather's letters.

The senator's speech was transcribed.

a Mozart string quartet transcribed for piano

a system that allows linguists to transcribe the sounds of any language

Recent Examples on the Web

These tools transcribe calls, surface coaching insights, update CRMs, and improve forecasting. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Speaking ideas aloud and transcribing them for AI input also preserves natural rhythm. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Megan Swenson, lead stenographer for the Police Department, said her team works with officers and analysts to transcribe the department reports while meticulously reviewing the facts of cases ranging from the highly sensitive violent crimes to routine traffic stops. — Noah Daly june 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026

Aside from the fascicles, Miller includes poems from unbound sheets and loose poems sent in correspondence and/or transcribed by others. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin transcribere, from trans- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for transcribe

• ascribe
• describe
• imbibe
• inscribe
• prescribe
• proscribe
• subscribe
• bribe
• gibe
• jibe
• tribe
• vibe

Kids Definition

transcribe

verb

tran·​scribe tran(t)s-ˈkrīb 

transcribed; transcribing

1

a

: to make a written copy of

b

: to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) by hand or on a machine (as a typewriter)

2

: to represent speech sounds with phonetic symbols

transcriber noun

Medical Definition

transcribe

transitive verb

tran·​scribe tran(t)s-ˈkrīb 

transcribed; transcribing

: to cause (as DNA) to undergo genetic transcription