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
Kikuchi said through his interpreter that the grip wasn’t a significant issue.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
The office was designed to help Afghans, such as interpreters who aided the U.S. military, who were eligible for resettlement in the U.S. due to their work helping America during the war.
—Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Cheyney McKnight says her work as a historical interpreter and researcher led to her path as a designer.
—Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 28 May 2025
As his interpreter and occasional personal driver during Puskas’ three-year spell in Melbourne, Postecoglou picked his brain about his legendary football career, with the three-time European Cup winner providing a comprehensive footballing education.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
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Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
The office was designed to help Afghans, such as interpreters who aided the U.S. military, who were eligible for resettlement in the U.S. due to their work helping America during the war.
—Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Cheyney McKnight says her work as a historical interpreter and researcher led to her path as a designer.
—Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 28 May 2025
As his interpreter and occasional personal driver during Puskas’ three-year spell in Melbourne, Postecoglou picked his brain about his legendary football career, with the three-time European Cup winner providing a comprehensive footballing education.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 May 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 10 Jun. 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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