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

Kevin Chapman Tech sales representative, Easton, Pennsylvania Is there any additional pressure that comes with being one of the only Black historical-interpreter groups of the Revolutionary War? — Brooke Lamantia, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026

How many interpreters need to be there for the deaf performers? — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Kim, always accompanied by his interpreter David Lee, practically resided in the team’s indoor batting cages. — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Confirm the package identifies hotel nights, transfer routes and interpreter availability. — Malana Vantyler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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