transcribe

play

verb tran·scribe \tran(t)-ˈskrīb\

Definition of transcribe

transcribed

;

transcribing

transitive verb
1a : to make a written copy ofb : to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine (such as a typewriter)c : to paraphrase or summarize in writingd : write down, record
2a : to represent (speech sounds) by means of phonetic symbolsb : translate 1ac : to transfer (data) from one recording form to anotherd : to record (as on magnetic tape) for later broadcast
3 : to make a musical transcription of
4 : to cause (DNA or RNA) to undergo genetic transcription

transcriber

noun

See transcribe defined for English-language learners

See transcribe defined for kids

Examples of transcribe in a sentence

He transcribed all of his great-grandfather's letters.
The senator's speech was transcribed.
a Mozart string quartet transcribed for piano
a system that allows linguists to transcribe the sounds of any language

Origin and Etymology of transcribe

Latin transcribere, from trans- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use: 1552

TRANSCRIBE Defined for English Language Learners

transcribe

play

verb tran·scribe \tran(t)-ˈskrīb\

Definition of transcribe for English Language Learners

: to make a written copy of (something)
: to write down (something that is spoken)
: to rewrite (a piece of music) so that it can be performed by a different instrument or voice

TRANSCRIBE Defined for Kids

transcribe

play

verb tran·scribe \tran-ˈskrīb\

Definition of transcribe for Students

transcribed

;

transcribing

: to make a copy of

Word Root of transcribe

The Latin word scribere, meaning “to write,” and its form scriptus give us the roots scrib and script. Words from the Latin scribere have something to do with writing. To scribble is to write quickly or carelessly. To describe is to write or tell about something or someone. A manuscript is a document written by hand. To transcribe is to write down something spoken or copy something written.