astray

adverb or adjective

1
: off the right path or route : straying
2
: in error : away from what is proper or desirable

Examples of astray in a Sentence

I think we were led astray by the unfortunate similarity of the two names
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As an expendable employee sent out on dangerous missions, Mickey is simply reprinted every time something goes astray. Matt Minton, Variety, 16 May 2025 However, the couple's plans for a calm senior year went astray when aliens touched down in Seabrook. Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025 The new owners may have flown their pigeons recreationally, and birds sometimes go astray. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 Toone started in the No 10 role and occupied more of the left side but too often, her passes went astray. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astray

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estraié wandering, from estraier to stray — more at stray

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Cite this Entry

“Astray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astray. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

astray

adverb or adjective
1
: off the right path or route
2
: in or into error

More from Merriam-Webster on astray

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!