: 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
Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
Minimize exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be aware: white sand and similar surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure.
11+: Extreme (extreme risk of harm)
Try to avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
The fabric also features a UPF 50+ rating, blocking harmful UV rays.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Avoid rays: Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to reduce your risk of sunburn and overheating.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Wear protective gear, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
Minimize exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be aware: white sand and similar surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure.
11+: Extreme (extreme risk of harm)
Try to avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
The fabric also features a UPF 50+ rating, blocking harmful UV rays.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Avoid rays: Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to reduce your risk of sunburn and overheating.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 July 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 31 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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