Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Stray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
Add to dictionary

stray

[streษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

animal

having wandered away from a direct route or place; not in the right place

Synonyms

homeless, lost, wandering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stray

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.
lost

Used when someone or something cannot be found or is in a place they donโ€™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.
wandering

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.
homeless

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.

Examples of usage

  • The stray cat followed me home.
  • Please keep an eye out for any stray dogs in the neighborhood.
  • The stray sheep got lost in the forest.
Context #2 | Noun

animal

a domestic animal that is wandering at large or lost

Synonyms

homeless animal, lost pet, wanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stray

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.
wanderer

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.
homeless animal

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.
lost pet

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.

Examples of usage

  • The animal shelter is full of strays looking for homes.
  • We found a stray puppy wandering around the park.
  • The city has a program to help control the population of strays.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Many pets may stray from home due to curiosity or food, which is why pet identification is vital.
  • Stray animals often face dangers like traffic or scarcity of food, highlighting the need for community support and rescue.
  • The phenomenon of stray animals can prompt discussions about animal rights and responsible pet ownership.

Literature

  • Strays are often used in literature as symbols of loneliness or the search for belonging, reflecting deeper emotional themes.
  • In many poems, a 'stray' often represents an outsider or unwelcomed guest, exploring feelings associated with exclusion.
  • Notable authors have featured strays to evoke empathy and explore societal attitudes towards those who wander.

Pop Culture

  • Films and books often depict stray animals finding a family or returning home, igniting emotions about companionship.
  • The term 'stray' frequently appears in song lyrics, sometimes reflecting feelings of isolation or the desire to break free from constraints.
  • In video games, stray characters often symbolize unintended journeys, encouraging players to explore diverse worlds.

Psychology

  • Straying from set routines can bring about personal growth, as stepping outside comfort zones often leads to new experiences.
  • Cognitive psychologists explore how wandering thoughts can lead to creativity, connecting the idea of straying with innovation.
  • The concept of 'straying' can metaphorically relate to losing track of oneโ€™s goals or values, prompting reflections on life direction.

Origin of 'stray'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English 'streah', meaning to stray or wander.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to denote a departure from a proper path.
  • Originally connected to the idea of wandering in a figurative sense, relating to both physical movement and moral conduct.

The word 'stray' originated from Middle English 'straien', meaning 'to wander'. It has been used since the 14th century to describe animals that have wandered away or are lost. Over time, 'stray' has come to represent both the action of wandering and the animals themselves. Today, it is commonly used to refer to lost or homeless animals.

See also: straying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,401, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.