voice-over

noun

ˈvȯis-ˌō-vər 

1

a

: the voice of an unseen narrator speaking (as in a movie, television show, or commercial)

b

: the voice of a visible character (as in a movie, television show, or video game) expressing especially unspoken thoughts

2

: a recording of a voice-over

Examples of voice-over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Besotted Rob’s surprise plan was to propose to Bethany in Paris — as revealed to us in omnipotent voice-over (by Jacek Zubiel) that fills in the feelings and backstories of our protagonists. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

In voice-over, Daisy informs us that there has been extra security since last episode’s attack on the Plum bus. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

There are several platforms that can help you book voice-over work, including Fiverr and Voices. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026

The movie’s point of view is established with a brief opening voice-over by a woman named Sasha, whose reminiscences of childhood, and of her brother Jeremy, make up the bulk of the film. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for voice-over

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

voice-over

noun

ˈvȯi-ˌsō-vər

: the voice in a film or television program of a person who is heard but not seen or not seen actually talking