narrow

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adjective nar·row \ˈner-(ˌ)ō, ˈna-(ˌ)rō\

Definition of narrow

1a : of slender width a long and narrow roomb : of less than standard or usual width a narrow sidewalkc of a textile : woven in widths usually less than 18 inches (46 centimeters)
2 : limited in size or scope a narrow interpretation
3a : illiberal (see illiberal d) in views or disposition : prejudiced the days of cold hearts and narrow minds — T. B. Macaulayb chiefly dialectal : stingy, niggardly
4a : barely sufficient : close won by a narrow marginb : 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

narrowly

adverb

narrowness

noun

See narrow defined for English-language learners

See narrow defined for kids

Examples of narrow in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of narrow

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

narrow

verb nar·row

Definition of narrow

transitive verb
1 : to decrease the breadth or extent of : contract —often used with down
2 : to decrease the scope or sphere of : limit —often used with down narrow down the choices
intransitive verb
: to lessen in width or extent : contract —often used with down

See narrow defined for English-language learners

Examples of narrow in a Sentence

The path was narrowed by overgrowth.
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the words in front of him.
The vase narrows at its top.
narrowing the range of options
You'll need to narrow the focus of your paper to one central idea.
The gap between their salaries was beginning to narrow.

Origin and Etymology of narrow

see ¹narrow

First Known Use: before 12th century

narrow

noun nar·row

Definition of narrow

: a narrow part or passage; specifically : a strait connecting two bodies of water —usually used in pl. but singular or plural in construction

Origin and Etymology of narrow

see ¹narrow

First Known Use: 13th century

NARROW Defined for English Language Learners

narrow

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adjective

Definition of narrow for English Language Learners

: long and not wide : small from one side to the other side
: including or involving a small number of things or people : limited in range or amount
: almost not successful : very close to failure : almost not enough for success

narrow

verb

Definition of narrow for English Language Learners

: to make (something) less wide
: to become less wide
: to make (something) smaller in amount or range

NARROW Defined for Kids

narrow

play

adjective nar·row \ˈner-ō\

Definition of narrow for Students

narrower

;

narrowest

1 : of slender or less than usual width …Kino ran straight to the narrow dock where the fishing boats bobbed up and down… — Pearl S. Buck, The Big Wave
2 : limited in size or extent We had a narrow range of choices.
3 : not broad or open in mind or views They are narrow in their thinking.
4 : barely successful : close We made a narrow escape.

narrowly

adverb

narrowness

noun

narrow

play

verb nar·row

Definition of narrow for Students

narrowed

;

narrowing

1 : to make or become less wide … his yellow eyes narrowed to slits. — Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins
2 : to limit in number : become fewer The list of candidates has been narrowed to ten.