interpreter
noun
in·ter·pret·er
in-ˈtər-prə-tər 
-pə-
plural interpreters
1
: someone or something that interprets: such as
a
: someone who translates for individuals or groups conversing in different languages
an interpreter at the United Nations
a sign language interpreter
b
: someone who explains or expounds
Aside from his Nobel Prize-winning work on quantum electrodynamics (don't ask), [Richard P.] Feynman was an interpreter of Maya hieroglyphics …—
Pam Freir
Pam Freir2
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
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 on the Web
Apple promises to put an AI interpreter in everyone’s ears.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
Jasna Djuricic stars as a local schoolteacher working as an interpreter for the UN’s Dutch peacekeepers, who tries desperately to secure the safety of her husband and two young adult sons.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Neither the girl nor her father were English speakers, and spoke with police through the aid of a French Creole interpreter who connected by telephone.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, guests may request an ASL interpreter for live programs or presentations, which require at least two weeks’ advance notice.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
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Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
Jasna Djuricic stars as a local schoolteacher working as an interpreter for the UN’s Dutch peacekeepers, who tries desperately to secure the safety of her husband and two young adult sons.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Neither the girl nor her father were English speakers, and spoke with police through the aid of a French Creole interpreter who connected by telephone.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, guests may request an ASL interpreter for live programs or presentations, which require at least two weeks’ advance notice.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
Cite this Entry
“Interpreter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpreter. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpreter
noun
in·ter·pret·er
in-ˈtər-prət-ər
1
: one that interprets
especially
: a person who translates orally for people speaking different languages
2
: a computer program that translates an instruction into machine language and executes it before going to the next instruction
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