“Brays” is the third-person form of the verb “bray,” which means to make a loud, harsh cry like a donkey. It can also describe any loud, rough sound that reminds you of that noise.
In everyday talk, people say “brays” when they’re talking about a donkey making noise—“The donkey brays every morning at sunrise.” It’s also used playfully or critically for humans: “He brays with laughter after every joke,” or “The speaker brays into the microphone.”
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Verb: The donkey brays loudly at feeding time.
• Noun (less common): The bray of the donkey echoed across the farm.
• Figurative: She brayed her opinion so loudly that everyone turned around.
Context / Common Use
You’ll mostly hear “brays” around farms, in children’s books, or when someone jokes about a loud, grating voice. It’s not slang—just a vivid, colorful word that paints a clear picture of the sound.
Is “brays” only for donkeys?
No. While it starts with donkeys, people use it for any harsh, loud noise that sounds like a donkey’s call.
Is “brays” formal or informal?
It’s neutral, but it feels a bit informal and playful in casual speech.
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