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
Today, however, the focus is on a broader interpretation of the spaces around these points.
—
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
But Linnea Berthelsen, who played Eleven's superpowered sibling on the Netflix series, has her own interpretation of how the show ended that might not be what fans want to hear.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
The referees stole a win from Pittsburgh with a questionable interpretation of the rules.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Hegseth’s recent censure of Kelly accuses him of Conduct Unbecoming An Officer and Violating Good Order And Discipline (less serious parts of the UCMJ and more open to interpretation).
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
But Linnea Berthelsen, who played Eleven's superpowered sibling on the Netflix series, has her own interpretation of how the show ended that might not be what fans want to hear.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
The referees stole a win from Pittsburgh with a questionable interpretation of the rules.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Hegseth’s recent censure of Kelly accuses him of Conduct Unbecoming An Officer and Violating Good Order And Discipline (less serious parts of the UCMJ and more open to interpretation).
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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
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