translation

noun

trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce translation (audio)
tranz-
1
: an act, process, or instance of translating: such as
a
: a rendering from one language into another
also : the product of such a rendering
b
: a change to a different substance, form, or appearance : conversion
c(1)
: a transformation of coordinates in which the new axes are parallel to the old ones
(2)
: uniform motion of a body in a straight line
2
: the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA compare transcription sense 3
translational adjective

Examples of translation in a Sentence

She is working on a translation of the novel. a new translation of the Iliad There were English translations on the menu. the translation of economic power into political strength
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Pitfalls Of A One-Size-Fits-All Summer Strategy Too often, brands default to translation instead of transformation, applying a language filter rather than a cultural lens. Aldo Quevedo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Some very efficient exhibition design makes this secret taxonomy at the very least legible — with translations from her notebook in the wall text and magnifying glasses on hand for your scrutiny of the illustrations. Walker Mimms, New York Times, 15 May 2025 These include the translation of non-Western works, including the use of non-Western literary elements in their work; the publication and support of unknown non-Western writers; and the group’s impact on younger writers. Jenny Noyce, JSTOR Daily, 14 May 2025 In 2021, a second translation of my book was published in Chinese, this time by Truth and Wisdom Press. Peter S. Wenz, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for translation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of translation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Translation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translation. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

translation

noun
trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce translation (audio)
tranz-
1
: an act, process, or product of translating
2
: the process of forming a protein molecule from information contained in a messenger RNA molecule compare transcription sense 3

Medical Definition

translation

noun
trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən, tranz- How to pronounce translation (audio)
: the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA compare transcription
translational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on translation

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