request

American  

[ri-kwest] / rɪˈkwɛst /

noun

1. the act of asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy; solicitation or petition.

   At his request, they left.

   Synonyms:

   prayer, supplication, entreaty

2. an instance of this.

   There have been many requests for the product.

3. a written statement of petition.

   If you need supplies, send in a request.

4. something asked for.

   to obtain one's request.

5. the state of being asked for; demand.

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verb (used with object)

1. to ask for, especially politely or formally.

   He requested permission to speak.

   Synonyms:

   supplicate, petition

2. to ask or beg; bid (usually followed by a clause or an infinitive).

   to request that he leave;

   to request to be excused.

3. to ask or beg (someone) to do something.

   He requested me to go.

   Synonyms:

   beseech, entreat

idioms

1. by request, in response or accession to a request.

   The orchestra played numbers by request.

request British  

/ rɪˈkwɛst /

verb

1. to express a desire for, esp politely; ask for or demand

   to request a bottle of wine

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noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of requesting, esp in the form of a written statement; petition or solicitation

      a request for a song

   2. ( as modifier )

      a request programme

2. in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)

3. in accordance with someone's desire

4. in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

request More Idioms  

1. see at someone's request; by request; on request.

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Related Words

See beg ¹.

Other Word Forms

• prerequest noun
• requester noun
• unrequested adjective

Etymology

Origin of request

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English requeste (noun), from Old French, from Vulgar Latin requaesita (unrecorded) “things asked for,” noun use of neuter plural past participle of requaerere (unrecorded) “to seek” (literary Latin requīrere require ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

National Park Service officials did not respond to emails requesting comment on California’s 2025 attendance.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 66-year-old said after fighting started her supplier cancelled the delivery and told her she needed either to request a refund or repurchase at a massively inflated price.

From BBC

It also reported that the request for reinforcements was made by US Central Command, the part of the US military responsible for the Middle East, and approved by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

From BBC

For years Fuentes, who did not respond to our interview requests, sniped at the Republican establishment from the sidelines.

From BBC

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said in response to a request for comment that "the media has received an overwhelming amount of information from the Pentagon whether they'd like to admit it or not."

From Barron's

Related Words

• appeal
• application
• call
• demand
• desire
• inquiry
• invitation
• offer
• suit