interlocutor

noun

in·​ter·​loc·​u·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈlä-kyə-tər 

1

: one who takes part in dialogue or conversation

2

: a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader

Did you know?

It may not necessarily be grandiloquence to use the word interlocutor in casual speech, but if your interlocutors—that is, the people with whom you are speaking—are using it, your conversation is likely a formal one. Interlocutor is one of many English words that comes from the Latin verb loqui, “to speak,” including loquacious (“talkative”), eloquent (“capable of fluent or vivid speech”), and grandiloquence (“extravagant or pompous speech”). In interlocutor, loqui was joined to inter- forming a Latin word meaning “to speak between” or “to issue an interlocutory decree.” An interlocutory decree is a judicial decision that isn’t final, or that deals with a point other than the principal subject matter of the dispute.

Examples of interlocutor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His Gazan interlocutors were speaking in the midst of the Second Intifada, when past atrocities were referenced by militants and politicians alike to justify new violence against civilians. —Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025

The interlocutor was soon on an uncrowded uptown 2. —Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025

Moscow is not involved in those talks, but Turkey has been a key interlocutor between the two. —Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

Her interlocutors, who come from other nations and cultural backgrounds, can also listen to Carol’s stubborn insistence on individualism and gently undermine her blinkered American assumption. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin interloqui to speak between, issue an interlocutory decree, from inter- + loqui to speak

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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