bray

1 of 2

verb (1)

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

Examples of bray in a Sentence

Verb (2) bray the seeds using a mortar and pestle
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
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 Then an old-timer hoarse and exigent with years bugled like a braying donkey. Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for bray 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bray was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near bray

Cite this Entry

“Bray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bray. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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

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

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