prays; prayed; praying
1
a
: to speak to God especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something
praying to God/Allah daily
There's little else to do now but hope and pray.
The minister said, "Let us pray."
—often + forWe prayed (to God) for their safe return.
pray for forgiveness
The family prayed (to God) that she wouldn't need surgery.
He prayed that they would have the strength to go on.
b
: to hope or wish very much for something to happen
—usually + for
She's praying [=hoping] for a chance to play in the game.
He prayed that he would find a parking spot.
2
old-fashioned
: to seriously ask (someone) to do something
I pray [=beg] you, tell me where they went.
I pray you be careful. [=please be careful]
—used to introduce a question or request in a polite or deliberately old-fashioned wayPray be careful.
Pray [=please] tell me what to do.
Why should I trust them, pray tell? [=tell me why I should trust them; I do not think that they should be trusted]
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pray. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
