interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
For generations, liberals gave up on amendments and sought to change the Constitution through judicial interpretation.
—
Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025
That wonky definition has sparked conflicting interpretations by different federal circuits.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Each episode features Bastianich and a celebrity guest tasting four interpretations of the dish, and scoring each one from 0 to 10 to determine the best version in town.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
These varied media indigo interpretations function as a lab of sorts to help the industry move forward artistically and technically.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025
That wonky definition has sparked conflicting interpretations by different federal circuits.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Each episode features Bastianich and a celebrity guest tasting four interpretations of the dish, and scoring each one from 0 to 10 to determine the best version in town.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
These varied media indigo interpretations function as a lab of sorts to help the industry move forward artistically and technically.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share