interpreter

noun in·ter·pret·er \ in-ˈtər-prə-tər , -pə- \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of interpreter

1 : one that interprets: such as

a : one who translates orally for parties conversing in different languages

b : one who explains or expounds

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

See interpreter defined for English-language learners

See interpreter defined for kids

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 of interpreter from the Web

There are historical reenactments, costumed historical interpreters, craftspeople and an 18th-century store.

— shauna steigerwald, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati tourism: Quick, easy trips from Cincy," 8 May 2018
In 1972, Freeman was an interpreter for President Nixon during his first visit to China.

— scott thurm, WIRED, "Chinese-American Elites Lament a Brewing Trade War," 6 May 2018
Its float was decorated to mimic the gondola-style boats that glide down waterways in Mexico City, said Sandra Giron, through an interpreter.

— jaimy jones, Houston Chronicle, "Cinco de Mayo parade a colorful expression of heritage, pride," 5 May 2018
Now, after playing and singing for a staggering 56 years, the consummate singer, songwriter and interpreter of songs has settled into a comfortable place.

— michael sangiacomo, cleveland.com, "Tom Rush, the master of cool, glides into the Kent Stage Friday," 2 May 2018
The agency will also provide a Yup'ik interpreter to assist speakers of the traditional language in the region, Budnik said.

— alex demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Following pressure from Murkowski and others, Pebble comment period extended," 6 Apr. 2018
The following conversation took place via an interpreter and has been edited for length and clarity.

— thomas page, CNN, "'The Deminer:' Unearthed videos reveal life and death of bomb disposal hero," 26 Apr. 2018
The students meet monthly with adult mentors and interpreters to create voiced and American Sign Language (ASL) poetry. riverwoodpoetry.net.

— carole goldberg, courant.com, "Claudia Rankine Talk, Dance, Spoken Word Wraps Up Big Read," 18 Apr. 2018
At the April 16 and April 27 events, translators in Spanish, Hmong, Samoan, Filipino and Korean will be available, as well as a sign language interpreter.

— tegan hanlon, Anchorage Daily News, "The Anchorage School District is considering changing school start times. What do you think?," 8 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interpreter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.