1
: of, relating to, or involving removal or transference from one person or place to another
2
: of, relating to, or serving in translation from one language or system into another

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of translative was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Translative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translative. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

translative

adjective
: constituting a transfer or conveyance
an act translative of ownership
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!