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) 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

Now flip the script: Present two candidate transcriptions and ask a reviewer which sounds closer to reality. —Ashutosh Synghal, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

These cytokines travel through a pathway in the body known as the JAK-STAT pathway (short for Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Aug. 2025

After the beginning phases are established, more advanced aspects of the system — such as sending videos, photos and live transcriptions — will be put in place. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2025

Over several years, volunteers performed about 450,000 transcriptions to digitize the old cards and their historic information. —Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 15 July 2025

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