translation

noun

Synonyms of translationnext
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

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.
But University of Pennsylvania classics scholar Emily Wilson, who published her own translation of Homer's epic in 2017, says Nolan's script is poorly written and lacking in emotional depth and character development. Dave Davies, NPR, 29 July 2026 Despite all of this, the main translation is mostly unchanged from the 1995 version, which is fine as that was a great translation to begin with. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Wilson, whose translation of the classic Greek tale was cited by the Oscar-winning director, criticized Christopher Nolan's adaptation in a scathing essay. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2026 Translators still have steady work years after computer translation approached human parity, because there is no ceiling on what can be translated or into how many languages. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Translation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translation. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

translation

noun
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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on translation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster