interlocutor

American  

[in-ter-lok-yuh-ter] / ˌɪn tərˈlɒk yə tər /

noun

1. a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue.

2. the man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters with the end men.

3. a person who questions; interrogator.

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interlocutor British  

/ ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtə /

noun

1. a person who takes part in a conversation

2. Also called: middleman.  the man in the centre of a troupe of minstrels who engages the others in talk or acts as announcer

3. Scots law a decree by a judge

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Other Word Forms

• interlocutress
  noun

Etymology

Origin of interlocutor

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin interlocū-, variant stem of interloquī “to speak between” ( inter- inter- + loquī “to speak”) + -tor

Explanation

An interlocutor is someone who participates in a discussion or conversation, sometimes as a go-between. If you and your friend are in an argument and aren't speaking, a third friend could act as an interlocutor, delivering messages back and forth. Interlocutor traces back to the Latin word interloqui, meaning “to speak between.” We use interlocutor either for "a conversation partner," or for "a third party in a conversation," like a middleman who speaks on behalf of an organization. It's also an old term for the guy in a minstrel show who questions all the other performers as a way of moving the act forward. "What's that you say? A funky dance? Go on and show us then."

Example Sentences

Langbein’s Monica — having finally transcended her past and ascended to spiritual omniscience — becomes Jean’s interlocutor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

What kind of prime minister will he be at home, or as an interlocutor for Hungary's allies abroad?

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

When Justice Sotomayor does these public events, she generally seems to plant questions with her interlocutor that will allow her to make a statement.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Since becoming vice president in 2018, the 56-year-old has consolidated influence as Maduro’s top interlocutor with the private sector and trade partners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

I perceived, of course, the drift of my interlocutor.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë