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

Dozens of senior Iranian officials were assassinated in airstrikes when the conflict began at the end of February, but Araghchi does not appear to have been a target, perhaps because he is seen as a possible interlocutor in any settlement. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Carpineti and Prescod-Weinstein and their interlocutors repeatedly trouble the notion that the universe can be reduced to binaries. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Oman has been a key interlocutor, especially on the thorny issue of the strait, a crucial gateway for about a fifth of the world’s energy supplies. — Azhar Sukri,garrett Downs, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026

Again and again, Hartig’s GOP interlocutors seemed to be operating from a definition of a museum that sees its role as dispensing propaganda. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin interlocūtor "mediator, participant in a dialogue," from Latin interlocū-, variant stem of interloquī "to speak between, interrupt, issue an interlocutory decree" (from inter- inter- + loquī "to speak") + -tor, agent suffix — more at eloquent

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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