As a Noun: 1. A person whose job it is to listen or watch what someone is saying and translate it immediately into spoken or signed language. English = interpreter, sign language interpreter. 2. An explanation of what something means. English = interpretation. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To translate what someone is saying immediately into spoken or signed language. English = interpret. Note: 1. This sign is a little old fashioned and is increasingly being replaced by the other sign for this meaning.