mainstay

noun

main·​stay ˈmān-ˌstā 

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

Synonyms

• anchor
• buttress
• dependence
• dependance
• pillar
• reliance
• standby

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

If the Democrats manage to thwart third-party drift, the war room the party established could become a mainstay in presidential politics. —Charlotte Alter, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024

The morning show mainstay included six photos in her post, showcasing her daughters trick-or-treating with other kids in the neighborhood. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Rokita has been a mainstay in Indiana Republican politics for the last two decades, serving in both the U.S. House and as Indiana Secretary of State. —USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

For Seven & i Holdings Seven & i Holdings is hoping that these initiatives can boost its stock value by hiving off under-performing businesses and focusing on its mainstay 7-Eleven stores. —Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids 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