interpreter
noun
in·ter·pret·er
in-ˈtər-prə-tər 
-pə-
plural interpreters
1
: someone or something that interprets: such as
a
: someone who translates for individuals or groups conversing in different languages
an interpreter at the United Nations
a sign language interpreter
b
: someone who explains or expounds
Aside from his Nobel Prize-winning work on quantum electrodynamics (don't ask), [Richard P.] Feynman was an interpreter of Maya hieroglyphics …—
Pam Freir
Pam Freir2
a
: a machine that prints on punch cards the symbols recorded in them by perforations
b
: a computer program that executes each of a set of high-level instructions before going to the next instruction
Examples of interpreter in a Sentence
He has now learned English well enough that he can conduct interviews without an interpreter.
Monet is generally regarded as the foremost interpreter of pure impressionism.
Recent Examples on the Web
All types of aides except sign language interpreters would see staffing cuts under the proposal, the BMRB states.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
The friends, family members and interpreters were tuning into Super Bowl LX, just like millions of people across the country.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Journalism is no longer perceived as the primary interpreter of events, but as one voice among many, arriving late.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance will be the first in the big game's history to feature a Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSPR) interpreter.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
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Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
The friends, family members and interpreters were tuning into Super Bowl LX, just like millions of people across the country.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Journalism is no longer perceived as the primary interpreter of events, but as one voice among many, arriving late.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance will be the first in the big game's history to feature a Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSPR) interpreter.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpreter
Cite this Entry
“Interpreter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpreter. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpreter
noun
in·ter·pret·er
in-ˈtər-prət-ər
1
: one that interprets
especially
: a person who translates orally for people speaking different languages
2
: a computer program that translates an instruction into machine language and executes it before going to the next instruction
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