# transcribe

/tɹænsˈkɹaɪb/ (US) · /tɹænskɹˈaɪb/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/transcribe
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

to write down or type out words that you hear, such as from a speech or a recording. You might also do this to change information from one form into another, like turning a song into written music.

For teachers: to produce a written or typed version of spoken language or recorded audio. In technical contexts, it refers to representing speech sounds using phonetic symbols or converting data or musical notation into a different format.

## Examples

- She had to transcribe the entire interview for her research project.
- The court reporter worked quickly to transcribe every word spoken during the three-hour hearing.
- Linguists often transcribe indigenous oral histories into a phonetic script to preserve the specific nuances of a dialect that lacks a traditional writing system.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a recording, speech, or piece of music.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.