translation

noun

trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce translation (audio)
tranz-
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
translational adjective

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.
For example, interpreter mode made a splash in 2019 and has been offering real-time translations ever since; Assistant can only translate a single phrase now. Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025 Whether used for turn-by-turn navigation, real-time translations or on-the-spot info, the AR display puts out more than 1,500 nits of brightness – which should keep the AR content visible in most lighting conditions – and offers a 30-degree field of view. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025 There are legitimate uses for AI voice cloning, including helping people with disabilities and creating audio translations of people speaking in different languages. Kevin Collier, NBC News, 10 Mar. 2025 The transformative impact of AI on language translation, content creation and other areas is undeniable. Siobhan Hanna, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Translation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translation. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

translation

noun
trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce translation (audio)
tranz-
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

translation

noun
trans·​la·​tion tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən, tranz- How to pronounce translation (audio)
: the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA compare transcription
translational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on translation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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