stray Definition
- 1to move away from the place where you should be, without intending to
- 2to start thinking or talking about a different subject from the one you should be giving attention to
- 3an 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
Phrases with stray
Example
A stray bullet hit a nearby building during the shooting.
Example
He strayed from the path of honesty and integrity.
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'
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.'