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

That was part of coming up with a clear narrative that can hook you emotionally and that can help narrate this story. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026

The story weaves together themes of loss, found family and the small mysteries that can change lives — all narrated through the wry, observant voice of a creature who may just be smarter than the humans around him. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

As the years passed, behind the serene facade of studying and teaching at the seminary in the religious city of Qom, more claims and rumors narrated the ever-increasing influence and power wielded by Mojtaba. —Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 9 Mar. 2026

The counselor narrated part of her client's story with their permission. —Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 9 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