1
a
: an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view
b
: something resembling such a composition
a photographic essay
2
3
: a proof of an unaccepted design for a stamp or piece of paper money
essayed; essaying; essays
1
: to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform : try
2
: to put to a test
essayer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of essay in a Sentence
Noun
Your assignment is to write a 500-word essay on one of Shakespeare's sonnets.
The book is a collection of his previously unpublished essays on a variety of topics.
Verb
There is no hint as to which of the approaches essayed in this book will prove most useful.
he had been in gymnastics for some time before he even considered essaying that move
Recent Examples on the Web
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way.
—Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024
Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Pratik Gandhi will essay the titular role of Mahatma Gandhi in the show.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essay 
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Noun
In this braided essay collection, the author traces her legacy of cultural inheritance, colonization and her journey toward becoming a witch, including those cultural touch points that have shaped her.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way.
—Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Sheikh does a fine job of essaying the role of a typical rich brat who is conscious of his image but also has anger issues.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Pratik Gandhi will essay the titular role of Mahatma Gandhi in the show.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essay
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Dictionary Entries Near essay
Cite this Entry
“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
: attempt entry 1 sense 1, try
again essayed to ride on the camel
1
: attempt entry 2 sense 1, try
especially
: an uncertain or hesitant effort
2
: a usually short written work giving a personal view or opinion on a subject
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