mainstay

[meyn-stey]

noun

1. Nautical.,  the stay that secures the mainmast forward.

2. a person or thing that acts as a chief support or part.

   Coffee is the mainstay of the country's economy.

   Synonyms: prop, anchor, bulwark, pillar

mainstay

/ ˈmeɪnˌsteɪ /

noun

1. nautical the forestay that braces the mainmast

2. a chief support

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainstay¹

First recorded in 1475–85; main ¹ + stay ²

Example Sentences

Sales at all the group’s brands increased, including at its mainstay namesake Renault brand.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Hidden Out!” was recorded in Chicago with Mr. Parker and bassist Junius Paul, a mainstay of that community.

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Rajamannar also became a mainstay at marketing industry events such as the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.

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The paramotors are also significantly cheaper to make and maintain - which is one of the main reasons why they've become a mainstay in the Burmese military, say military sources and defence groups.

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Our soundtrack aptly intersected folk and country, and while we listened to anything anyone recommended, Cash was our mainstay.

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Related Words

• backbone 
• bulwark 
• linchpin 
• pillar