request

[ ri-kwest ]

noun

1. the act of asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy; solicitation or petition:

   At his request, they left.

   Synonyms: prayer, supplication, entreaty

2. an instance of this:

   There have been many requests for the product.

3. a written statement of petition:

   If you need supplies, send in a request.

4. something asked for:

   to obtain one's request.

5. the state of being asked for; demand.

verb (used with object)

1. to ask for, especially politely or formally:

   He requested permission to speak.

   Synonyms: supplicate, petition

2. to ask or beg; bid (usually followed by a clause or an infinitive):

   to request that he leave;

   to request to be excused.

3. to ask or beg (someone) to do something:

   He requested me to go.

   Synonyms: beseech, entreat

request

/ rɪˈkwɛst /

verb

1. to express a desire for, esp politely; ask for or demand

   to request a bottle of wine

noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of requesting, esp in the form of a written statement; petition or solicitation

      a request for a song

   2. ( as modifier )

      a request programme

2. at the request of
   in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)
3. by request
   in accordance with someone's desire
4. in request
   in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on request
   on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

Derived Forms

• reˈquester, noun

Other Words From

• re·quester noun
• prere·quest noun verb (used with object)
• unre·quested adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of request¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English requeste (noun), from Old French, from Vulgar Latin requaesita (unrecorded) “things asked for,” noun use of neuter plural past participle of requaerere (unrecorded) “to seek” (literary Latin requīrere require ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of request¹

C14: from Old French requeste , from Vulgar Latin requaerere (unattested) to seek after; see require , quest

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. by request, in response or accession to a request:

   The orchestra played numbers by request.

More idioms and phrases containing request

see at someone's request ; by request ; on request .

Synonym Study

See beg ¹.

Example Sentences

But what Jurado kept returning to as we chatted for an hour on Monday was a request she heard from many voters:

From Los Angeles Times

But officials acknowledged the request would probably be turned down given the state’s estimated $28.4-billion budget deficit in 2025-26.

From Los Angeles Times

"At that next appointment, I thought it had got bigger and the doctor agreed and sent off the request for further checks," Laura recalled.

From BBC

Initially, the Sheriff’s Department referred all further questions to the Torrance Police Department, which did not respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the onus is on men to request a blood test from their GP once they are over 50.

From BBC

Related Words

• appeal
• apply
• call for
• demand
• petition
• seek
• solicit
• sue