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

Join me in praying for the victims of such senseless violence and all the families of this church. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026

But the loss effectively knocked Miami out of the ACC title game, and forced them having to hope and pray for an at-large bid to the playoff. —Mac Engel january 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026

At the First Baptist Church of Orlando on Sunday, Venezuelans celebrated, sang, prayed over their flag and gleefully chanted their national anthem — many through tears — for a nearly two-hour long vigil. —Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

According to the synagogue’s estimates provided in court records, between 60 and 70 people who consider themselves members have been praying at other locations. —Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

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