prey

1 of 2

noun

plural prey also preys
1
a
: an animal taken by a predator as food
b
: one that is helpless or unable to resist attack : victim
was prey to his own appetites
2
: the act or habit of preying
3
archaic : spoil, booty

prey

2 of 2

verb

preyed; preying

intransitive verb

1
a
: to seize and devour prey
b
: to commit violence or robbery or fraud
2
: to have an injurious, destructive, or wasting effect
worry preyed upon his mind
3
: to make raids for the sake of booty
preyer noun

Examples of prey in a Sentence

Noun The lion stalked its prey. The bird circled above looking for prey. The seals are easy prey for sharks. Too often elderly people are easy prey for swindlers and other criminals. Verb a fox has been preying on the chickens
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.
Noun
For animals like dogs, cats, and monkeys, ear movement helps track sounds, which is crucial for detecting predators or prey. Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025 Both types of bass are highly efficient apex predators that hunt down baitfish and other prey. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Judge Neil Chawla said Westwood had used his status and credits on shows, including BBC series Doctors, to prey on impressionable teenagers. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025 As justice runs its course, one question swirls around the case: How was this man allegedly able to prey on so many young people for so long? CNN has reached out to the hospitals where the crimes were allegedly committed and the French health authorities for comment. Joseph Ataman, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prey

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English preie, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeda; akin to Latin prehendere to grasp, seize — more at get

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French preier, from Latin praedari, from praeda

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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

Cite this Entry

“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prey. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

prey

1 of 2 noun
1
: an animal hunted or killed by another animal for food
2
: a person who is helpless or unable to escape attack : victim
3
: the act or habit of seizing and pouncing upon

prey

2 of 2 verb
preyed; preying
1
a
: to seize and eat something as prey
b
: to do violent or dishonest acts
robbers who preyed on travelers
2
: to have a harmful effect
fears that prey on the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on prey

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