pray

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Greeks had won and forced their cultural beliefs onto the Jews, making the Jewish people not able to pray or openly celebrate their own holidays. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 It can be seen daily for those that pray on the tassels of a prayer shawl, or on a hamsa with an evil eye, for example. Sophie Liza Cannon, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 In the 12 years since Austin Tice was abducted in Syria, his family and his coworkers at McClatchy have grieved at the absence of our writer, despaired at silence from the Syrian government and prayed that promises from three U.S. presidents would turn into actions that brought Austin home. Tony Hunter, The Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2024 To dine last minute at the Polo Bar, one of New York’s toughest reservations, someone could offer up more than six hundred dollars and pray. Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pray 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pray was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near pray

Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pray

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pray

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