narrate

verb

nar·​rate ˈner-ˌāt How to pronounce narrate (audio)
ˈna-ˌrat,
na-ˈrāt How to pronounce narrate (audio)
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 How to pronounce narrate (audio)
ˈna-ˌrā-
na-ˈrā-
nə-;
ˈner-ə-
ˈna-rə-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Actress Viola Davis narrated a new campaign video about Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who raised two daughters after immigrating to the United States at age 19. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Viola Davis narrated a Harris campaign video focusing on the vice president’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 Actor Lupita Nyong’o narrates the trip, teaching us about each part of our solar system in turn. Abbey Stone, SELF, 31 Oct. 2024 In the film, Gillis still narrates—though he’s just been shot dead, like Jay Gatsby, in the pool. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for narrate 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of narrate was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near narrate

Cite this Entry

“Narrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/narrate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

narrate

verb
narrated; narrating
: relate sense 1, tell
narrate a story
narrator
ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce narrate (audio)
na-ˈrāt-
nə-;
ˈnar-ət-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on narrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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