# Narrows

/ˈnɛɹoʊz/ (US) · /nˈæɹəʊz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/narrows
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a thin part of a river or a sea where the water gets much tighter between two pieces of land.

For teachers: a restricted part of a navigable waterway, such as a strait or a section of a river, where the banks converge.

## Examples

- The ship slowed down as it entered the narrows.
- Navigating the narrows requires a skilled pilot because the current becomes much stronger where the channel tightens.
- The fortress was strategically positioned overlooking the narrows to control all maritime traffic entering the inner harbor.

## Usage notes

- Plural in form and typically takes a plural verb; often used as a proper name for specific geographical locations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.