pray

verb

prayed; praying; prays

transitive verb

1
: entreat, implore
often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea
pray be careful
2
: to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1
: to make a request in a humble manner
2
: to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray. The minister said, “Let us pray.” He prayed that they would have the strength to go on. He prayed that he would find a parking spot.
Recent Examples on the Web Currently, island visitors get little slips of paper that match their luggage and pray everything goes according to plan. Detroit Free Press, 12 Mar. 2024 In past weeks those prevented from praying inside Al Aqsa would gather in the streets and conduct their own sermon and prayer. Raja Abdulrahim, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time praying at the mosque. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Moments after the two shook hands and exchanged words, Gauff knelt down on one knee, braced herself with her racket, and prayed. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 That outing came amid the latest wave of divorce rumors, bolstered by Hailey’s dad, Stephen Baldwin, seemingly asking the Christian community to pray for the couple. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2024 The afternoon began with pastors Darron L. Edwards and Emanuel Cleaver III praying for healing in a time of mourning in the Kansas City community. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2024 Native people from across the West came to pray with Apache Stronghold: not only for Oak Flat, but for their own lands that are threatened by extractive industries. The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 Amid injuries across the squad, coach Jürgen Klopp is praying the 31-year-old recovers as quickly as possible, with up to 22 games remaining if Liverpool threatens to pull off a stunning quadruple this season. Henry Flynn, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pray.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pray was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near pray

Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pray

verb
1
: to ask earnestly : beg
I pray you, tell me where they went
2
: to address God with adoration, confession, pleading, or thanksgiving

Legal Definition

pray

transitive verb
: to ask for
plaintiff prays judgment against the defendants
used especially in pleadings

intransitive verb

: to make a request of a court especially in a complaint or petition
complainant prays for declaratory relief

More from Merriam-Webster on pray

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