reporter

noun

re·​port·​er ri-ˈpȯr-tər How to pronounce reporter (audio)
Synonyms of reporternext
: one that reports: such as
a(1)
: a person employed by a newspaper, magazine, or television company to gather and report news
(2)
: a person who broadcasts news
b
: a person who makes authorized statements of law decisions or legislative proceedings
c
: a person who makes a shorthand record of a speech or proceeding
reportorial
ˌre-pər-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce reporter (audio)
ˌre-pə-
ˌrē-
adjective
reportorially
ˌre-pər-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce reporter (audio)
ˌre-pə-
ˌrē-
adverb

Examples of reporter in a Sentence

She's a reporter for one of the major networks. the reporter was careful to ask as many questions as possible without annoying anyone
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.
Chesney asked, posing as a reporter during Moore’s interview. Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026 The Boston Fire Department didn’t address why Marshall has been represented by the city as living in Dorchester, but denied that Marshall described himself as such when speaking with reporters last month after he was announced as commissioner. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 Suzanne King is The Beacon’s health care reporter and has covered the beat since November of 2023. Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026 Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reporter

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reporter was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reporter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reporter. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

reporter

noun
re·​port·​er ri-ˈpōrt-ər How to pronounce reporter (audio)
-ˈpȯrt-
: a person who reports
especially : one employed by a newspaper, magazine, or radio or television station to gather, write, or report news

Legal Definition

reporter

noun
re·​port·​er
: one that reports: as
a
: one who makes authorized statements and publications of court decisions or legislative proceedings
also : a publication in which such reports are reproduced see also citation compare advance sheet
b
: one who makes a shorthand record of a speech or proceeding
specifically : court reporter

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