narrate

verb

nar·​rate ˈner-ˌāt How to pronounce narrate (audio)
ˈna-ˌrat,
na-ˈrāt How to pronounce narrate (audio)
narrated; narrating

transitive verb

: to tell (a story) in detail
The children enjoyed the lively manner with which she narrated her life's story.
also : to provide spoken commentary for (something, such as a movie or television show)
The documentary is narrated by a famous actor.
narrator
ˈner-ˌā-tər How to pronounce narrate (audio)
ˈna-ˌrā-
na-ˈrā-
nə-;
ˈner-ə-
ˈna-rə-
noun

Examples of narrate in a Sentence

The author narrates her story in great detail. a documentary narrated by a famous actor
Recent Examples on the Web Actress Rosario Dawson, who is on the museum’s advisory council, narrates an introduction, while curators from across the Smithsonian Institution speak to each of the five historical figures. Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Since the Mexican Revolution, these ballads have narrated bloody, violent battles and laid out tales of corruption and poverty. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Inside his ramshackle Westside home, Wally gingerly positioned his bony frame sideways on an armrest of his recliner and played the role of raconteur, narrating remarkable stories about our lineage. Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 And to celebrate the occasion, NASA enlisted the legend Morgan Freeman to narrate its announcement video. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2024 Though Parsons and Bialik's cameo will be the first time any of the original cast members will physically appear in the prequel series, Parsons narrated the show for all seven seasons and Bialik has previously co-narrated as Amy in two episodes. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Theo James stars in Guy Ritchie's new series The Gentlemen, and Angela Bassett narrates the new nature docuseries Queens. Gerrad Hall, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 As narrated by Gooch, his last days were filled with warmth: fellow-artists and old S.V.A. classmates visited, Madonna rang from California, Tony Shafrazi ordered everybody food from Haring’s favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 The film narrated by Chandran follows Keya, from Bangladesh, who is struggling with harassment from boys for wanting to go to school and for speaking her mind. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'narrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin narratus, past participle of narrare, from Latin gnarus knowing; akin to Latin gnoscere, noscere to know — more at know

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of narrate was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near narrate

Cite this Entry

“Narrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/narrate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

narrate

verb
narrated; narrating
: relate sense 1, tell
narrate a story
narrator
ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce narrate (audio)
na-ˈrāt-
nə-;
ˈnar-ət-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on narrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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