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. ) )

Explanation

To request something means to formally ask for it. If you're sick of always getting a middle seat on the airplane, put in a request for the aisle or window next time. You can request something you want, like extra cheese on your pizza, or a better parking space, but you can also "put in a request." Request has a formal quality, as in "request forms." After all, you won't find any "ask forms" out there. Asking for something is one thing, making a request is another. It's more official. If you want to request a certain professor, you'd better put in a request!

Example Sentences

A representative for Hutchinson didn’t respond to a request for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

On Friday, she plans to drive 30 miles to Courtroom 9A in the Houston federal building for the settlement hearing, hoping for the judge to grant her request to be heard.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Your request that your guests make donations was a generous one, particularly as wedding guests often give the happy couple anywhere between $75 and $500 — or sometimes more.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Fitzgerald, a judge in the Central District of California, also denied a request by the federal government to end the permanent court-mandated safeguards for immigrant children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

It was a shocking request and of no possible physical comfort or medical benefit to Lincoln, but Dr. Leale allowed it.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Related Words

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