# mainstay

/ˈmeɪnˌsteɪ/ (US) · /mˈeɪnsteɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mainstay
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. nautical rope

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong rope that supports the main mast of a ship.

For teachers: a heavy stay or rope extending from the maintop to the foot of the foremast to support the mainmast.

- The sailors checked the mainstay for wear before the storm arrived.
- The ship's structural integrity depended on the tension of the mainstay, which prevented the mainmast from buckling under the pressure of high winds.

Usage: In modern contexts, this sense is restricted to maritime history or sailing technicalities.

## Examples

- Tourism is the mainstay of the local economy.
- For decades, the small family-owned bakery has been a mainstay of the neighborhood, providing fresh bread to generations of residents.
- While the tech sector is growing rapidly, traditional manufacturing remains the mainstay of the national GDP, providing the stable employment necessary for long-term economic health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.