# mainstay

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/ · frequency rank #26,876

## Definitions
1. A chief support.
2. Someone or something that can be depended on to make a regular contribution.
3. A stabilising rope from high on the mainmast to the base of the foremast.

## Etymology
From Middle English main stai, equivalent to main + stay (“rope”).

## Common misspellings (12)
`aminstay`, `mainnstay`, `mainsaty`, `mainsstay`, `mainstayy`, `mainsttay`, `mainstya`, `maintsay`, `maisntay`, `manistay`, `mianstay`, `mmainstay`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mainstay