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.
Before the episode, Pope Francis spent his morning alternating between praying and respiratory physiotherapy. Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025 The church has encouraged worshippers across Rome and around the world to pray for his health, including at nightly vigils held close to St. Peter's - a custom the Catholic Church has long practiced during previous papal illnesses. Willem Marx, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025 On Tuesday, Strickland took to social media to praise Cardinal Raymond Burke, who also publicly clashed with Francis after Burke prayed for the pope in St. Peter's Square. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Thousands gather to pray for his health and his soul during this illness, and many thousands more watch the vigil from home. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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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