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

2

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

Synonyms

• exponent
• expounder
• guru
• high priest
• practitioner

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

His interpreter later plead guilty to stealing from Ohtani’s accounts to cover gambling losses. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024

The interpreter’s ability to see and read body language cues provides more precise translations. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Their population could become so dense that the sonar interpreters mistakenly read these groups as the ocean floor. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

Each year, his trainer will earn a $100,000 salary and his interpreter will earn a $75,000 salary. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing interpreter

• through an interpreter

Kids 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