narrate

verb

nar·​rate ˈner-ˌāt 

ˈna-ˌrat, 

na-ˈrāt 

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 

ˈna-ˌrā-, 

na-ˈrā-, 

nə-;

ˈner-ə-, 

ˈna-rə-

noun

Synonyms of narrate

• describe
• tell
• recount
• chronicle
• relate

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

Corridos, a form of Mexican storytelling that dates to the 19th century — and became especially prominent during the Mexican Revolution of 1910 for narrating the struggles and triumphs of the era — have since evolved into a modern voice for social realities and personal histories. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026

The characters In both the book and show, Vladimir is narrated by an English professor in her 50s who remains unnamed throughout the entire story. —Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026

The coach known for pacing the sideline was now narrating it. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

The film is written, directed, produced, shot, edited, and narrated by Josef Gatti and produced by Rob Innes. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for narrate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

narrate

verb

nar·​rate ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt  na-ˈrāt 

narrated; narrating

: relate sense 1, tell

narrate a story

narrator

ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt-ər 

na-ˈrāt-, 

nə-;

ˈnar-ət-

noun