bray

1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈbrā 

brayed; braying; brays

intransitive verb

: to utter the characteristic loud harsh cry of a donkey

a braying donkey

also : to utter a sound like a donkey's

bray with laughter

transitive verb

: to utter or play loudly or harshly

"I'm the best!" he brayed.

bray noun

bray

2 of 2

verb (2)

brayed; braying; brays

transitive verb

1

: to crush or grind fine

bray seeds in a mortar

2

: to spread thin

bray printing ink

Synonyms

Verb (2)

• atomize
• beat
• comminute
• crush
• disintegrate
• grind
• mill
• mull
• pound
• powder
• pulverize

Examples of bray in a Sentence

Verb (2)

bray the seeds using a mortar and pestle

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

There was no braying and shouting that often marks debates in the House of Commons and speeches were considered respectfully and heard in silence. —Brian Melley and Pan Pylas The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024

The pack animals fiercely defend their flocks by braying, kicking wildly and charging, teeth bared, at potential predators. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024

To counter their own illiberal nationalists and braying chauvinists, Americans should start by practicing the sober self-awareness that Fulbright claimed was critical to living intelligently in the world. —Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2021

Would that more institutions took that stand, instead of capitulating to a dishonest, braying mob. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French braire to cry, bellow, roar, from Vulgar Latin *bragere, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish braigid he breaks wind

Verb (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French braier, breier, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German brehhan to break — more at break

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bray

verb

ˈbrā

1

: to utter the loud harsh cry of a donkey

2

: to produce a sound like the call of a donkey

bray noun

Geographical Definition

Bray

geographical name

ˈbrā 

town and port on the Irish Sea in eastern Ireland population 25,101