dray

American  

[drey] / dreɪ /

noun

1. a low, strong cart without fixed sides, for carrying heavy loads.

2. a sledge or sled.

3. any vehicle, as a truck, used to haul goods, especially one used to carry heavy loads.

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verb (used with object)

1. to convey on a dray.

verb (used without object)

1. to drive or operate a dray, especially as an occupation.

2. to convey goods by dray, especially locally or for short distances.

dray ¹ British  

/ dreɪ /

noun

1. 1. a low cart without fixed sides, used for carrying heavy loads

   2. ( in combination )

      a drayman

2. any other vehicle or sledge used to carry a heavy load

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dray ² British  

/ dreɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of drey

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Etymology

Origin of dray

1325–75; Middle English draye sledge; compare Old English draeg- (in drægnet dragnet), akin to dragan to draw

Example Sentences

Dray says his organization, called the Young People's Alliance, is bipartisan and signed the Axios letter to Trump.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

“The stock is uninvestible given the current circumstances,” said Dray, who has the equivalent of a sell rating on the company.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2023

Nearby, under the terrace of an abandoned cafe, Dray Taijer, 59, looked over a sixth-grade school workbook he dug out of the trash.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2023

Police said the accused were Dray Simmonds and Joshua Edgington, both 19, and two boys aged 16, who cannot be identified because of their age.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2023

Dray says, yanking open the passenger door of his white car.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi