English Reference
noun

narrator

n.
US /ˈnɛɹeɪtɝ/ UK /nɐɹˈeɪtɐ/ nar·ra·tor UK spelling narrators

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the person who tells the story in a book or film.

    the person or character who recounts the events of a narrative.

    Simple

    The narrator of the novel is a young boy living in London.

    In context

    The author chose a first-person narrator to provide an intimate, though perhaps unreliable, perspective on the unfolding family drama.

    storytellerraconteur
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the person you hear speaking in a documentary or advertisement who is not seen on screen.

    the off-screen voice providing commentary or information in a film, television programme, or documentary.

    Simple

    The narrator in the nature documentary explained how the birds build their nests.

    In context

    The documentary's narrator maintained a neutral tone, allowing the stark visual evidence of climate change to speak for itself.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of non-fiction media.

    voice overcommentator
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated