: any of an order (Rajiformes) of usually marine cartilaginous fishes (such as stingrays and skates) having the body flattened dorsoventrally, the eyes on the upper surface, and enlarged pectoral fins fused with the head
1
a
: any of the lines of light that appear to radiate from a bright object
b
: a beam of radiant energy (such as light) of small cross section
c(1)
: a stream of material particles traveling in the same line (as in radioactive phenomena)
(2)
: a single particle of such a stream
2
a
: light cast by rays : radiance
b
: a moral or intellectual light
3
: a thin line suggesting a ray: such as
a
: any of a group of lines diverging from a common center
b
4
a
: one of the bony rods that extend and support the membrane in the fin of a fish
b
: one of the radiating divisions of the body of a radiate animal (such as a starfish)
5
a
: a branch or flower stalk of an umbel
b(1)
(2)
rayed; raying; rays
1
a
: to shine in or as if in rays
b
: to issue as rays
2
: to extend like the radii of a circle : radiate
Examples of ray in a Sentence
Noun (2)
two red eyes reflected in the ray of light from the flashlight
the tapping sound ceased, extinguishing the last ray of hope that the trapped miners were still alive
Verb
klieg lights were raying against the nighttime sky at the Hollywood premiere
laugh wrinkles rayed out from the corners of the old man's eyes
Recent Examples on the Web
Sherri Gordon, Health, 30 June 2025
Utilizing a body oil with SPF gives your skin that nice summer glow while also shielding it from harsh UV rays.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 30 June 2025
Sunscreen Sunburn isn’t just a beach problem—UV rays intensify at high altitudes, making mountain sun protection crucial.
—Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
The formula is lightweight, and has vitamin C plus milk thistle to gently and effectively soften and protect the hair and scalp from UV rays.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2025
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Noun
This is because the sun's rays are not as strong or there may not be as much sun in some areas.8
Your geographical location may make getting vitamin D from the sun more challenging than in other areas of the country.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 30 June 2025
Utilizing a body oil with SPF gives your skin that nice summer glow while also shielding it from harsh UV rays.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 30 June 2025
Sunscreen Sunburn isn’t just a beach problem—UV rays intensify at high altitudes, making mountain sun protection crucial.
—Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
The formula is lightweight, and has vitamin C plus milk thistle to gently and effectively soften and protect the hair and scalp from UV rays.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Cite this Entry
“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ray. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ray
1 of 2 noun
: any of numerous flat broad fishes (as stingrays and skates) usually living on the sea bottom and having eyes on the upper surface of their bodies, a long narrow tail, and a skeleton made of cartilage
ray
2 of 2 noun1
a
: one of the lines of light that appear to be given off by a bright object
b
: a thin beam of radiant energy (as light)
c
: a stream of particles (as electrons) traveling in the same line
2
a
: any of a group of lines coming from a common center
b
3
: a plant or animal structure that resembles a ray: as
a
b
: one of the bony rods in the fin of a fish
4
: a tiny bit
a ray of hope
Medical Definition
ray
1 of 2 noun
: any of numerous elasmobranch fishes (order Hypotremata) having the body flattened dorsoventrally, the eyes on the upper surface, and a much-reduced caudal region having typically a slender process often with venomous spines
ray
2 of 2 noun1
: one of the lines of light that appear to radiate from a bright object
2
: a beam of radiant energy (as light) of small cross section
3
a
: a stream of material particles traveling in the same line (as in radioactive phenomena)
b
: a single particle of such a stream
Biographical Definition
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