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

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

Synonyms

• exponent
• expounder
• guru
• high priest
• practitioner

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

Benavides was in that meeting as well, serving as an interpreter and a coach. —C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Living history interpreters will interact with the public, describing the events of the time and the life of soldiers on campaign during the early 1800s. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025

She was seen relying on interpreters or speaking in English during a G7 lunch and a a visit to France that summer. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

Inus appeared in court with the aid of a Burmese interpreter while his family watched the proceedings from the gallery. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpreter

• through an interpreter

Kids 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