stray

[strey]

stray Definition

• 1. to move away from the place where you should be, without intending to
• 2. to start thinking or talking about a different subject from the one you should be giving attention to
• 3. an animal, usually a cat or dog, that is lost or has no home

Using stray: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stray" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The hiker strayed from the trail and got lost.

• Example

  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stray from the topic.

• Example

  The animal shelter takes care of stray cats and dogs.

stray Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for stray

• drift
• deviate
• digress
• roam
• wander

Antonyms for stray

• stay
• remain
• focus

Phrases with stray

• stray bullet

  a bullet that misses its intended target and hits something or someone else

  Example

  A stray bullet hit a nearby building during the shooting.

• stray from the path

  to deviate from the expected or correct course of action

  Example

  He strayed from the path of honesty and integrity.

• stray voltage

  an electrical current that leaks from an electrical system and can cause harm to people or animals

  Example

  The farm was experiencing stray voltage, which was affecting the cows' health.

Origins of stray

from Old French 'estrayer', meaning 'to wander off'

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Summary: stray in Brief

The verb 'stray' [strey] means to move away from the intended location or purpose, or to start talking about a different subject. The noun 'stray' refers to an animal, usually a cat or dog, that is lost or has no home. Examples include 'The hiker strayed from the trail and got lost.' and 'The animal shelter takes care of stray cats and dogs.' Phrases include 'stray bullet,' 'stray from the path,' and 'stray voltage.'