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.
Mixue has strayed from its playbook by opening in expensive Manhattan and Hollywood ZIP Codes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
On our way back down, an Australian tourist strayed from the path toward a tunnel entrance.
From Slate ● Sep. 8, 2026
In fact, the deeply personal lyrics were inspired by Parton’s mother and her exhausted loyalty to a husband who strayed and took her for granted.
From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026
Britain's Fin Tarling, 19, died during the Volta a Portugal on Friday following a high-speed collision with a van which had strayed on to the closed road.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
It had evidently strayed too far from its hole and now could not tell what to do.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
