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

Over 98% of union members, which range from physician assistants and pharmacists to clinical lab scientists and language interpreters, voted in favor. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024

Shohei Ohtani brought an interpreter with him from Japan, although the interpreter is now facing a prison term for stealing millions from Ohtani. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

Following his playing career, Valenzuela began calling games on the Dodgers Spanish-language radio broadcast in 2003 with his former interpreter, Jaime Jarrin. —Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024

But Ohtani’s latest MVP season began in unexpectedly dramatic fashion March 20, when his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired following a 5-2 win over the Padres in Korea after ESPN reported Mizuhara paid off gambling debts by wiring money from Ohtani’s account. —Jerry Beach, Forbes, 29 Oct. 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