transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of transcribing

2

: copy, transcript: such as

a

: an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original

b

: a recording (as on magnetic tape) formerly made especially for use in radio broadcasting

3

: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare translation sense 2, reverse transcription

transcriptional

tran(t)-ˈskrip-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

transcriptionally adverb

Examples of transcription in a Sentence

Transcription of the tapes took weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

For people with disabilities, AI is providing higher quality and faster transcription for the deaf, image descriptions for the blind, and speech generation for those unable to communicate verbally. —Jessica Melugin, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Although both made mistakes, MAI-Transcribe-1’s transcription cuts off before the song ends. —Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026

This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors. —ABC News, 7 June 2026

Volunteers will receive guidance on how to create and review transcriptions; transcription work will take place on computers — participants are welcome to take their own laptop or tablet; participants at the Hempstead County Library in Hope are encouraged to do so. —Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transcription

• reverse transcription
• transcription factor

Rhymes for transcription

• ascription
• conscription
• decryption
• description
• egyptian
• encryption
• inscription
• prescription
• proscription
• subscription
• circumscription
• misdescription

Kids Definition

transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of transcribing

2

: copy entry 1 sense 1, transcript

3

: the process of forming a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a guide compare translation sense 2

Medical Definition

transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən 

: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare reverse transcription, translation

transcriptional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

transcriptionally

-ē 

adverb