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

This is the first time both cuts have been presented back-to-back, with a new voice-over commentary on the international version by Lee Unkrich, who wrote a remarkable book about the making of the film. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

The Purple Tribe’s episode begins with annoying Ana (sorry Ana, but voice-over is a bit too earnest-cringe for me) chatting with Alexis, who was one of those blank slates on the premiere. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Linda, who passed away in 1998, also shared several stories via archival footage, voice-over, and photos. — Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

Just as Haghighi’s documentary offers a manifesto of filming archival images, Hong’s fiction feature is a double manifesto, of the voice-over and, exactly as the title suggests, of the basic art of seeing. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 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