# abray

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abray
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to make a sound like a horse or a goat. This is an old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: to bray or make a loud, harsh sound, typically associated with a donkey or a goat. Archaic in modern usage; primarily found in historical texts or poetry.

## Examples

- The donkey began to abray loudly in the night.
- The old goat would abray whenever it heard the sound of a passing train.
- In the silence of the valley, the sudden abray of the donkey echoed against the stone walls, startling the sleeping travelers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.