First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1narrow
adjective nar·row \ˈner-(ˌ)ō, ˈna-(ˌ)rō\
: long and not wide : small from one side to the other side
: including or involving a small number of things or people : limited in range or amount
: almost not successful : very close to failure : almost not enough for success
Full Definition of NARROW
1
a : of slender width <a long and narrow room> b : of less than standard or usual width <a narrow sidewalk> c of a textile : woven in widths usually less than 18 inches (46 centimeters)
2
: limited in size or scope <a narrow interpretation>
3
a : illiberal in views or disposition : prejudiced b chiefly dialect : stingy, niggardly
4
a : barely sufficient : close <won by a narrow margin> b : barely successful <a narrow escape>
5
: minutely precise : meticulous <a narrow inspection>
6
of an animal ration : relatively rich in protein as compared with carbohydrate and fat
See narrow defined for English-language learners
See narrow defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of NARROW
Middle English narowe, from Old English nearu; akin to Old High German narwa scar
2narrow
verb
: to make (something) less wide
: to become less wide
: to make (something) smaller in amount or range
Full Definition of NARROW
transitive verb
1
: to decrease the breadth or extent of : contract —often used with down
2
: to decrease the scope or sphere of : limit —often used with down <narrow down the choices>
intransitive verb
: to lessen in width or extent : contract —often used with down
See narrow defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NARROW
before 12th century
3narrow
noun
Definition of NARROW
: a narrow part or passage; specifically : a strait connecting two bodies of water —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
First Known Use of NARROW
13th century
NARROW Defined for Kids
1narrow
adjective nar·row \ˈner-ō\
nar·row·ernar·row·est
Definition of NARROW for Kids
1
: of slender or less than usual width <…Kino ran straight to the narrow dock where the fishing boats bobbed up and down… — Pearl S. Buck, The Big Wave>
2
: limited in size or extent <We had a narrow range of choices.>
3
: not broad or open in mind or views <They are narrow in their thinking.>
2narrow
verb
nar·rowednar·row·ing
Definition of NARROW for Kids
1
: to make or become less wide <… his yellow eyes narrowed to slits. — Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins>
2
: to limit in number : become fewer <The list of candidates has been narrowed to ten.>
3narrow
noun
Definition of NARROW for Kids
: a narrow passage connecting two bodies of water —usually used in pl.
Learn More About NARROW
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: narrowbandPrevious Word in the Dictionary: NarrinyeriAll Words Near: narrow
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up narrow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).