Stray: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe an animal, often a dog or cat, that has no owner and is living on the streets. It can also describe a person or object that has moved away from a place or group through accident.

• The shelter takes in stray dogs from the neighborhood.
• A stray bullet hit the building.

Used when someone or something cannot be found or is in a place they don’t know how to leave. It can describe both people and objects.

• I think I lost my keys somewhere in the park.
• The child felt lost in the large shopping mall.

Describes someone or something that is moving around without a clear purpose or direction. Often implies a sense of aimlessness or exploration.

• The nomads spent their lives wandering the desert.
• He was wandering the streets, trying to clear his mind.

Refers to a person or sometimes an animal that does not have a permanent place to live. Often discussed in the context of social issues.

• The city has opened more shelters to help homeless people.
• Homeless individuals often struggle to find food and shelter.

This term is often used to describe an animal, typically a cat or dog, that has no home and roams around. It can also be used more broadly to describe something or someone that has deviated from its expected place or path.

• I found a stray cat near the alley last night.
• The stray piece of paper on the desk looked out of place.

This word is often used to describe a person or, less commonly, an animal that moves around without a fixed residence or destination. It has a slightly romantic or adventurous connotation when referring to people.

• He lived as a wanderer, exploring different parts of the world.
• The wanderer cat showed up at our door, looking for food.

This is a descriptive phrase used to emphasize that an animal does not have a home. It often elicits more sympathy and is commonly used in discussions about animal shelters and rescue efforts.

• The shelter is home to many homeless animals in need of care.
• Adopting a homeless animal can be a rewarding experience.

This term refers specifically to a pet that has a home but is currently missing or has been separated from its owner. It suggests that the pet is being searched for and has a family waiting for its return.

• We put up posters to help find our lost pet dog.
• The community organized a search to locate the lost pet.