reporter

noun re·port·er \ ri-ˈpȯr-tər \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of reporter

: one that reports: such as

a : a person who makes authorized statements of law decisions or legislative proceedings

b : a person who makes a shorthand record of a speech or proceeding

c (1) : a person employed by a newspaper, magazine, or television company to gather and report news

(2) : a person who broadcasts news

—

reportorial

play \ˌre-pər-ˈtȯr-ē-əl, ˌre-pə-, ˌrē-\ adjective

—

reportorially

play \ˌre-pər-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē, ˌre-pə-, ˌrē-\ adverb

See reporter defined for English-language learners

See reporter defined for kids

Examples of reporter in a Sentence

She's a reporter for one of the major networks.
the reporter was careful to ask as many questions as possible without annoying anyone

Recent Examples of reporter from the Web

For most reporters, this is a reliable feel-good story for this time of year.

— anne branigin, The Root, "Black Teen Who Won Full Ride to 20 Colleges Wants Apology From Reporter Who Called His Effort 'Obnoxious'," 13 Apr. 2018
As the scrum of reporters dissipated around Foligno, team president John Davidson approached and offered a congratulatory handshake, joking about how his captain might need to wear a goalie mask for Game 2.

— alex prewitt, SI.com, "Despite Injuries and Penalties, Blue Jackets Prove Resilient in OT Win Against Capitals," 13 Apr. 2018
The measure, which Trump did not mention during two separate appearances before reporters at the White House, imposes stricter deadlines for EPA approval of state plans and changes the way air pollutants are measured.

— juliet eilperin and brady dennis, chicagotribune.com, "EPA whistleblower details Scott Pruitt's spending and travel excesses," 13 Apr. 2018
Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia fields questions from reporters during the NFL meetings in Orlando on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions' overhaul at LB done to complement Jarrad Davis," 12 Apr. 2018
One former Enquirer reporter, who was not involved in the Sajudin reporting effort, expressed skepticism that the company would pay for the tip and not publish.

— jake pearson and jeff horwitz, Cincinnati.com, "$30,000 rumor? Tabloid paid for, spiked, salacious Trump tip," 12 Apr. 2018
One former Enquirer reporter, who was not involved in the Sajudin reporting effort, expressed skepticism that the company would pay for the tip and not publish.

— CBS News, "Ex-NYC doorman paid to quash Trump tryst rumor?," 12 Apr. 2018
One former Enquirer reporter, who was not involved in the Sajudin reporting effort, expressed skepticism that the company would pay for the tip and not publish.

— NBC News, "$30,000 Trump rumor? Tabloid paid for, spiked, salacious tip," 12 Apr. 2018
The plot revolves around a reporter, played by Ben Platt, who follows the ups and downs of Ford’s political reign, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

— yohana desta, HWD, "True to Form, the Rob Ford Movie Is Already Generating Controversy," 11 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of reporter

14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

reporter Synonyms

Synonyms

correspondent, journalist, newsman, newsperson;

anchor, anchorman, anchorperson, anchorwoman;

columnist, commentator;

copyreader, editor;

muckraker, photojournalist, police reporter, sportswriter;

REPORTER Defined for English Language Learners

reporter

noun

Definition of reporter for English Language Learners

: a person who writes news stories for a newspaper, magazine, etc., or who tells people the news on radio or television

Law Dictionary

reporter

noun re·port·er

legal Definition of reporter

: one that reports: as

a : one who makes authorized statements and publications of court decisions or legislative proceedings; also : a publication in which such reports are reproduced — see also citation — compare advance sheet

b : one who makes a shorthand record of a speech or proceeding; specifically : court reporter