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
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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[1] 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.
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