verb
transcribe
tran-SKRYB
Transcribe (verb) means to write out in full what is said in speech or on a recording. Example: “It took her four hours to transcribe the interview.”
verb
1
To write out in full what is said in speech or on a recording.
"It took her four hours to transcribe the interview."
"The software transcribes meetings automatically."
2
To copy something out in written form, or to convert it into another script or notation.
"The monks transcribed the manuscripts by hand."
"Arabic names are transcribed into the Latin alphabet in several competing ways."
3
In biology, to produce a strand of RNA using a strand of DNA as the template.
"The gene is transcribed into messenger RNA before it can be translated into protein."
4
To arrange a piece of music for a different instrument or voice from the one it was written for.
"He transcribed the cello suites for guitar."
How to use transcribe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo write down word for word what someone said or what is recorded.
When to use it
Neutral. The noun is transcription and the written result is a transcript.
Memory tip
Transcribing keeps the same language and only changes the medium from sound to text; translating changes the language.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
transcribe an interview
transcribe a recording
automatically transcribed
transcribe DNA
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like transcribe.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It took her four hours to _____ the interview.
Etymology
From Latin transcribere, from trans- 'across' and scribere 'to write'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for transcribe
See all rhymes for transcribe →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between transcribe and translate?
Transcribing converts speech or one written form into another written form in the same language — for example turning an audio recording into text. Translating converts meaning from one language into another. A recorded Spanish interview can be transcribed into Spanish text and then translated into English.
What is the difference between transcribe and transliterate?
Transliteration swaps the letters of one script for those of another, letter by letter, without regard to how the word sounds to a native speaker. Transcription aims to represent the actual sounds. Both are used for names moving between alphabets, which is why one name can appear in several spellings.
What does transcription mean in biology?
It is the first step of gene expression, in which an enzyme reads a stretch of DNA and builds a matching strand of messenger RNA. That RNA is then translated into a protein, so biology reuses both words in a way that parallels their ordinary meanings.
What is the meaning of transcribe?
"transcribe" (verb) means to write out in full what is said in speech or on a recording.
