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 In the new commercial for State Farm, airing Friday on the first day of the NCAA women’s tournament, Leslie narrates the spot that highlights Clark’s accomplishments. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Arana narrates the extraordinary work of activists who have fought through the decades to build this sense of connectedness, as part of their battles for rights and opportunity. Graciela Mochkofsky, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Navalny’s team broadcast a live stream, narrating the day of protest, on his YouTube channel. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 Actor William Shatner will narrate the eclipse, joined by artists and choreographers from IU. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 The film — narrated by actor Edward Norton and Indigenous model and actress Quannah Chasinghorse — focuses on the tribe’s fight for treaty rights and sovereignty in Wisconsin for nearly the last 200 years. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 Green’s idea, a brilliant one, is to present a film of the quartet’s history, narrated by Green himself, accompanied by a musical soundtrack played live by the ensemble. Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 The film trilogy narrates the story of The Pasti Family, a Roman family who work in the funeral business. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Actress Rosario Dawson, who is on the museum’s advisory council, narrates an introduction, while curators from across the Smithsonian Institution speak to each of the five historical figures. Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'narrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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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