English · Word Candidate

stray

/stɹeɪ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: strays · straying · strayed · strayer

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Any domestic animal that lacks an enclosure, proper place, or company, but that instead wanders at large or is lost; an estray.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person who is lost.

Noun

Examples

But vvhat a vvretched, and diſconſolate Hermitage is that Houſe, vvhich is not viſited by thee [God], and vvhat a VVayue, and Stray is that Man, that hath not thy Markes vpon him?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To wander, as from a direct course; to deviate, or go out of the way.

Verb

Examples

Thames among the wanton valleys strays.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To wander from company or outside proper limits; to rove or roam at large; to go astray.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “stray” mean?

Any domestic animal that lacks an enclosure, proper place, or company, but that instead wanders at large or is lost; an estray.

Is “stray” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.