pray

verb

ˈprā 

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

Synonyms of pray

• beg
• petition

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

Speakers at the event prayed and spoke of how inspirational Kirk had been to them, reflecting on his Christian values and views on free speech. —Meredith Nierman, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025

Several witnesses described believing a mass shooting was underway, praying on the ground and scrambling for safety as chaos erupted across campus. —Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025

In the soul searching and praying that ensued, Sweeney asked for a sign. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025

Tips for Keeping Punch Bowls Cold Throwing cups of ice into a bowl and praying for a miracle simply won’t cut it. —Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing pray

• pray tell

Rhymes for pray

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

pray

verb

ˈprā 

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