transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of transcribing

2

: copy, transcript: such as

a

: an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original

b

: a recording (as on magnetic tape) formerly made especially for use in radio broadcasting

3

: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare translation sense 2, reverse transcription

transcriptional

tran(t)-ˈskrip-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

transcriptionally adverb

Examples of transcription in a Sentence

Transcription of the tapes took weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Convenience Trap As AI transcription becomes frictionless, the legal consequences are accelerating. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

These standards called for kids to learn how to type on keyboards, ensuring that whatever valuable teaching time was left for transcription would be spent on learning how to type. — Mary Jean Tecce Decarlo, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026

Because the most human part of listening isn’t transcription. — Maria Colacurcio, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

In addition to audio recordings in Arabic, each testimony has transcriptions in both English and Arabic that are synchronized to the audio stream. — Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transcription

• reverse transcription
• transcription factor

Rhymes for transcription

• ascription
• conscription
• decryption
• description
• egyptian
• encryption
• inscription
• prescription
• proscription
• subscription
• circumscription
• misdescription

Kids Definition

transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of transcribing

2

: copy entry 1 sense 1, transcript

3

: the process of forming a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a guide compare translation sense 2

Medical Definition

transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən 

: the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA compare reverse transcription, translation

transcriptional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

transcriptionally

-ē 

adverb