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

I waited for a midflight meal listed on the menu for extra-long trans-Atlantic flights including San Francisco, but didn’t know you had to request the items.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

A Florida judge on Wednesday approved Woods' request to leave the United States to seek treatment at a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The FDA didn’t respond to a request for comment from Barron’s.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

By Jan. 15, it filed its suit in court, looking to enforce the request for records.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The two film towers had been pushed back, at Fischer’s request, and the lighting intensity on stage increased.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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