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

Synonyms of reporter

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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.
The Egyptian support is defensive in nature and won't include any ground troops in Yemen, the official said on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to reporters. — Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 In a new memoir, the legendary reporter names a parade of confidential sources who enabled monumental scoops in The Washington Post and his blockbuster books. — Craig Whitlock, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 In 2018, reporters visited the Ursula detention center in South Texas, an old warehouse housing hundreds of children in a series of cages bound by metal fencing. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The Egyptian support is defensive in nature and won’t include any ground troops in Yemen, the official said on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to reporters. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing reporter

Rhymes for reporter

See All Rhymes for reporter

Browse Nearby Words

reportedly
reporter
report for duty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reporter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reporter. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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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