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.
has been straying
-
present perfect progressiveof stray (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Meantime Reuben, with a resolute show of boyish indifference, has been straying off with Phil Elderkin, although he has caught a glimpse of the carriage at the door.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 92, June, 1865 by Various
The man started up in a fright, as one who has been straying along forbidden paths.
From The Son of His Mother by Clara Viebig
But the little lamb has been straying in other folds, and it was so dark there, Paul—so dark and cold,—oh, Paul, why did you stop me?
From Leonore Stubbs by L. B. Walford
A piece of netiquette acknowledging that the author has been straying from the newsgroup's charter topic.
From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Guy L. Steele
