transcription

noun

tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce transcription (audio)
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 adjective
transcriptionally adverb

Examples of transcription in a Sentence

Transcription of the tapes took weeks.
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.
Errors in transcription can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatments and possible patient harm. Fernando Cowan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Illustration by Vartika Sharma Subtitling Your Life Hearing aids and cochlear implants have been getting better for years, but a new type of device—eyeglasses that display real-time speech transcription on their lenses—is a game-changing breakthrough. Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025 Mandarin transcription by Kimmy Tsai and Isabelle Niu. Brian Gallagher, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2025 The technology is its own kind of writing, a direct transcription of sound itself. Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcription

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcription was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Transcription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcription. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

transcription

noun
tran·​scrip·​tion tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce transcription (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transcribing
2
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 How to pronounce transcription (audio)
: 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 adjective
transcriptionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on transcription

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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