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.
had strayed
-
past perfectof stray.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The person submitted a photo of goats and a Labrador to the council and said they had strayed onto their land.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
But on that day in Chicago, DHS had strayed far from the facts.
From Salon ● Apr. 15, 2026
Vlasic then drove the knife in deeper still 20 minutes from time with a cushioned volley to beat goalkeeper Mathias Lamhauge, who had strayed into no man's land.
From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2025
Instead, Enrique Hernández charged in, caught the ball and fired to second base to double off Addison Barger, who had strayed too far from the bag.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2025
I was aware that they had heard rumors that I had strayed from the organization, that I was compromised, so at every turn I sought to reassure them.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
