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.
Designed to evolve from simple task automation (proofreading, code translation) to agentic behavior, the system is trained to act like a seasoned Goldman employee — consulting the right data, using appropriate algorithms and reflecting the firm’s values and decision-making protocols. Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Here, again, the English translation fails to capture the historical and cultural connotations of the Persian, Bahari explained. Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 In a translation of documents that appeared in the Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies in 2000, describing the trial, there is a description of a strap-on device. Mikelle Street, Them., 23 May 2025 Election week in Europe This week's election results in Romania, Poland and Portugal, however, suggest the translation of Trumpism into European political languages remains incomplete. David Brennan, ABC News, 21 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Translation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translation. Accessed 4 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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