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

The doc is built around intimate observational footage, rare archive film clips and readings from Welsh’s novels narrated by Liam Neeson (Batman Begins), Maxine Peake (The Theory of Everything), musician Nick Cave, Ruth Negga (Ad Astra) and Stephen Graham (Adolescence). —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 May 2025

But other sources say Disney just outbid Netflix, fostering their already strong kiddie portfolio of Bluey, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and old episodes of Disneyland narrated by former nazis. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 May 2025

It was narrated by a chorus of voices, one per chapter, and at the center was a good-hearted contractor, Bobby Mahon. —Ann Levin, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025

Ishiguro’s novel was narrated firsthand by the character who bridges both its timelines. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 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