narrow

¹nar·row

adj \ˈner-(ˌ)ō, ˈna-(ˌ)rō\

Definition of NARROW

1

a : of slender width <a long and narrow room> b : of less than standard or usual width <a narrow sidewalk> c of a textile : woven in widths usually less than 18 inches (46 centimeters)

2

: limited in size or scope <a narrow interpretation>

3

a : illiberal in views or disposition : prejudiced b chiefly dialect : stingy, niggardly

4

a : barely sufficient : close <won by a narrow margin> b : barely successful <a narrow escape>

5

: minutely precise : meticulous <a narrow inspection>

6

of an animal ration : relatively rich in protein as compared with carbohydrate and fat

7

: tense 3

— nar·row·ly adverb

— nar·row·ness noun

Examples of NARROW

1. The city's ancient streets are too narrow for buses.
2. We crossed at the narrowest part of the river.
3. His shoulders are very narrow.
4. within the narrow limits allowed by law
5. They offer a narrow range of flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
6. the study's narrow focus on 30-year-old men
7. The study was narrow in scope.
8. a narrow view of politics

Origin of NARROW

Middle English narowe, from Old English nearu; akin to Old High German narwa scar

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to NARROW

Synonyms: fine, hairline, needlelike, paper-thin, skinny, slender, slim, slim-jim, thin, ultrathin

Antonyms: broad, fat, wide

Related Words: attenuate, attenuated, elongate (or elongated), linear; bottleneck, close, compressed, condensed, constricted, contracted, squeezed, tight, tightened; lanky, rangy, reedy, shoestring, spindly, stalky, stringy, twiggy, willowy, wispy; lank, spare

Near Antonyms: chunky, squat, stocky, stumpy, thick, thickset; bulky, massive, voluminous; thickish, widish

see all synonyms and antonyms

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