plural mainstays
1
a
: a crucial or key part of something
Fish is the mainstay of their diet.
Tourism is a mainstay of the city's economy.
The mainstay of treatment for chronic hives of unknown origin is antihistamine medications.—
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
b
: someone or something that is a principal or reliable support or resource
Tourism is one of the city's economic mainstays.
Her immense pride in him and unquestioning support were among the few mainstays in his life.—Robert V. Remini
Robert V. Remini2
: a ship's stay (see stay entry 1 sense 1) extending from the maintop forward usually to the foot of the foremast
Examples of mainstay in a Sentence
Fish is a mainstay of their diet.
My mother has always been the mainstay of our family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Conducting routine pay equity analyses to ensure the absence of any discrimination will continue to be a mainstay of any responsible company.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Alongside the release of the photo essay, Mitchell penned a written essay, a love letter depicting his affinity for his hometown, Atlanta, and how a keen sense of dressing is a mainstay there.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025
Though bootcut jeans drew attention earlier this year when Kendrick Lamar wore a pair for his Super Bowl Halftime performance, the fit has been a mainstay in Wrangler’s partnership with Wilson, executed in styles that feel both modern and nostalgic.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2025
The pope's weekly Wednesday general audience was canceled since the Vatican hierarchy is on retreat this week as part of the Lenten spiritual exercises that have been a mainstay of the Jesuit pope's pontificate.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2025
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David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Alongside the release of the photo essay, Mitchell penned a written essay, a love letter depicting his affinity for his hometown, Atlanta, and how a keen sense of dressing is a mainstay there.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025
Though bootcut jeans drew attention earlier this year when Kendrick Lamar wore a pair for his Super Bowl Halftime performance, the fit has been a mainstay in Wrangler’s partnership with Wilson, executed in styles that feel both modern and nostalgic.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2025
The pope's weekly Wednesday general audience was canceled since the Vatican hierarchy is on retreat this week as part of the Lenten spiritual exercises that have been a mainstay of the Jesuit pope's pontificate.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Cite this Entry
“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainstay. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mainstay
noun
main·stay
-ˌstā 
1
: a large strong rope running from the maintop of a ship usually to the foot of the foremast
2
: a chief support
the mainstay of the family
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