mainstay

noun

main·​stay ˈmān-ˌstā How to pronounce mainstay (audio)
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
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
2
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for mainstay

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainstay was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainstay. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

mainstay

noun
main·​stay -ˌstā How to pronounce mainstay (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mainstay

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