Meaning & Definition of word "Stray"

Stray

/streɪ/

1. a person or animal that has no home and wanders.
- Example: The shelter took in strays from the city streets.
2. a stray object or item that is lost or misplaced.
- Example: I found a stray sock under the couch.

1. to move away from the correct path or direction.
- Example: The hiker began to stray from the marked trail.
2. to wander or roam in search of something.
- Example: He would often stray into the woods to explore.

1. having wandered from the proper place or path.
- Example: The stray dog looked lost and hungry.
2. not in the right place; out of alignment.
- Example: She corrected the stray hair that had fallen out of place.

Middle English, from Old English 'streah' meaning 'to roam or wander'.

stray cat:

A cat that has no home or is lost.

stray bullet:

A bullet that hits a target it was not intended for.

stray from the path:

To deviate from the correct or moral course.

strayer:

A person or animal that wanders or roams.

estray:

An animal that has strayed from its owner.

Meaning: To be lost or confused.

Example Sentence: I really felt stray after that conversation.

Meaning: To not follow the norms or directions.

Example Sentence: He's been acting stray lately, not caring about the rules.