stray
verb (used without object)
to deviate from the direct course, leave the proper place, or go beyond the proper limits, especially without a fixed course or purpose.
strayed
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past participleof stray.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof stray.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
strayverb (used without object)to deviate from the direct course, leave the proper place, or go beyond the proper limits, especially without a fixed course or purpose.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead, it strayed off course and eventually reached its final resting place on the moon’s surface.
From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2026
All in all I came up with about 50 songs, many of which strayed away from the original concept.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
Kane, who now has a remarkable 81 goals in 115 internationals, saw an odd stuttering penalty saved - but won a reprieve when it was adjudged keeper Livakovic had strayed off his line.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026
“Try doing a run behind a garbage truck,” the stepdad exhorted, setting Mr. Paré-Poupart on a course from which he’s never strayed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
Miss Lilian’s hands strayed from her pearls to her hair and then to her dress, smoothing, twitching, tweaking, never still.
From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn
