I. ˈner-(ˌ)ō, ˈna-(ˌ)rō adjective
Etymology: Middle English narowe, from Old English nearu; akin to Old High German narwa scar
Date: before 12th century
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
7. : tense 3
• nar·row·ly adverb
• nar·row·ness noun
II. verb
Date: before 12th century
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
III. noun
Date: 13th century
: a narrow part or passage ; specifically : a strait connecting two bodies of water — usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.