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
adverbnarrowness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
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
Definition of narrow
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
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
playDefinition of narrow for English Language Learners
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: long and not wide : small from one side to the other side
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: including or involving a small number of things or people : limited in range or amount
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: almost not successful : very close to failure : almost not enough for success
narrow
Definition of narrow for English Language Learners
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: to make (something) less wide
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: to become less wide
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: to make (something) smaller in amount or range
NARROW Defined for Kids
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
adverbnarrowness
nounDefinition 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.
Definition of narrow for Students
: a narrow passage connecting two bodies of water —usually used in pl.
Learn More about narrow
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for narrow Spanish Central: Translation of narrow Nglish: Translation of narrow for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of narrow for Arabic speakers
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