translation

noun

trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən 

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

tran(t)s-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

tranz-

adjective

Synonyms of translation

• translating

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

To obtain a residence permit, applicants must provide evidence of their stay in Bulgaria, a clean criminal record certificate from their country of residence, translations of any foreign documents into Bulgarian, and meet the official minimum income threshold of $36,168 USD per year. —Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026

Marayrasu, his first collection of stories to receive an English translation, expands his reach, introducing readers to his tough yet richly poetic world. —Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026

Language classes, which previously covered only a specific dialect of Spanish, have been replaced with robust translation and interpretation services that apply to multiple languages. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

There's also an exception for multi-lingual students who need language translation, and for circumstances outlined in a student's individualized education program or their plan that complies with federal civil rights law for people with disabilities. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing translation

• in translation
• loan translation
• lose (something) in translation

Rhymes for translation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

translation

noun

trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən 

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- 

: the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA compare transcription

translational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective