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
Advocates applaud virtual hearing process accessibility features like not having to take off a full day from work and a commitment to language access through interpreter services.
—Buspatrol - A Mission-Driven Organization, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Han spoke through a Mandarin Chinese interpreter.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
These technologies can help boards and other stakeholders move from passive receivers of information to active interpreters and strategic partners.
—Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The competition’s official language is English; some people bring interpreters, but the work speaks for itself.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
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Buspatrol - A Mission-Driven Organization, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Han spoke through a Mandarin Chinese interpreter.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
These technologies can help boards and other stakeholders move from passive receivers of information to active interpreters and strategic partners.
—Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The competition’s official language is English; some people bring interpreters, but the work speaks for itself.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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