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interpreter

noun
in·​ter·​pret·​er | \ in-ˈtər-prə-tər How to pronounce interpreter (audio) , -pə-\

Definition of interpreter

1 : one that interprets: such as
a : one who translates orally for parties conversing in different languages
b : one who explains or expounds
2a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about interpreter

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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

 Musa does not speak English but will be traveling with an interpreter. — Louisa Chu, chicagotribune.com, "5 things about chef Musa Dağdeviren you may not have learned on Netflix’s ‘Chef’s Table’," 20 Aug. 2019 Cho, through an interpreter, says that the company expects to hire five thousand local employees in the coming years. — Sheelah Kolhatkar, The New Yorker, "“American Factory,” a New Netflix Film from the Obamas, Explores the Challenges of a Globalized Economy," 19 Aug. 2019 Some of the people represented by the interpreters include John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, George Washington, and Phillis Wheatley. — Ivana Hrynkiw | [email protected], al, "What’s American Village up to in the summer?," 25 July 2019 Ji huddled with a Chinese-language interpreter for much of the 15-minute hearing. — Sara Burnett, The Seattle Times, "Chinese man accused of spying, helping recruit U.S. engineers," 26 Sep. 2018 Even the court interpreter, Abraha Tewolde, strained to follow the sentence. — Ben Taub, The New Yorker, "An Absurd Case of Mistaken Identity Draws to a Close," 13 July 2019 Ta was among those in the home who were taken into custody and questioned by a detective through an interpreter. — Sean Emery, The Mercury News, "Long-ago robbery haunted San Jose man who killed relatives and himself," 5 July 2019 This includes physically accessible facilities, interpreters for deaf detainees, and materials accessible to blind and low-vision people, said Center. — S.e. Smith, Vox, "Meet the people fighting for health care access for disabled kids detained at the border," 26 June 2019 Magallon said Wednesday in Spanish, through an interpreter. — Steve Lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Match featuring former Mexican soccer greats to be played at Mooseheart," 12 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interpreter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of interpreter

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for interpreter

interpreter

noun
How to pronounce interpreter (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interpreter

: a person who translates the words that someone is speaking into a different language

See the full definition for interpreter in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interpreter

noun
in·​ter·​pret·​er | \ in-ˈtər-prə-tər How to pronounce interpreter (audio) \

Kids Definition of interpreter

: a person who turns spoken words of one language into a different language

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More from Merriam-Webster on interpreter

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interpreter

Spanish Central: Translation of interpreter

Nglish: Translation of interpreter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of interpreter for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interpreter

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