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

Claire Danes narrates the exclusive Audible audiobook version, and new subscribers can try Audible Premium Plus for only 99 cents for their first three months; learn more about the limited-time Audible deal here. —Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025

Vaughn narrates his come-up and reflects on navigating the stresses of his relationships with his parents. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025

Zooming with Taylor led to Jennifer Aniston narrating the film as Melody’s inner voice. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025

The Punisher was promoted as a big part of this season, even narrating one of the trailers, and frequently featured in many of them. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

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