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

• chart
• chronicle
• describe
• recite
• recount
• rehearse
• relate
• report
• tell

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

Scott, who is known for his dark humor, would narrate sequences on the microphone while filming, and even added in jokes. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

The iconic holiday special, of course, was originally narrated by Burl Ives, who also provided the voice of Sam the Snowman. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

In 2023, the Lawrence sisters appeared in the three-part BBC documentary series, First Ladies of Hip-Hop, which was narrated by Neneh Cherry and also featured Eve, So Solid Crew’s Lisa Maffia and more. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, 1923 is narrated by May’s Elsa from beyond the grave. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024

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

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