pray

verb

ˈprā How to pronounce pray (audio)
prayed; praying; prays
Synonyms of praynext

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

Synonyms of pray

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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.
Observant Muslims pray five times daily, so students and employees sometimes need a space to pray – an accommodation that can be as simple as being excused briefly from class or work. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 For 15 days, devotees pray and make offerings before a towering paper-and-bamboo effigy of Da Shi Ye. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Please join me in praying for Wayne’s family and friends during this difficult time. — Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Aug. 2026 Thank you for giving, sharing, praying, helping carry them through this unimaginably difficult season, and for giving them one less thing to have to worry about right now. — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing pray

Rhymes for pray

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Browse Nearby Words

Praxiteles
pray
praya
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Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pray

verb
ˈprā How to pronounce pray (audio)
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
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