Meaning & Definition of word "Stay"

Stay

/steɪ/

noun:

  • 1. a period of staying; a pause or break.
    • Example: We had a lovely stay at the hotel during our vacation.
  • 2. the act of staying or remaining.
    • Example: Her stay in Paris was unforgettable.

verb:

  • 1. to remain in a specific place or position.
    • Example: Please stay here while I go get the car.
  • 2. to continue in a specified state, condition, or situation.
    • Example: I hope we can stay friends after this.
  • 3. to delay or postpone from acting or moving.
    • Example: The judge decided to stay the proceedings until the next hearing.

Etymology

Middle English steien, from Old French estaier, from Latin stare 'to stand'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

stay put:

To remain in one place and not move.

stay the course:

To continue with something as planned.

stay tuned:

To continue listening or watching for more information.

Related Words

staycation:

A vacation spent at home or nearby.

staying power:

The ability to endure or last.

stake:

A firm stick or post, or to have a vested interest in something.

Slang Meanings of stay

Meaning: To hang out or chill in a place.

Example Sentence: Let's just stay at the crib and watch movies.

Meaning: To keep things as they are; no changes.

Example Sentence: I'm going to stay with my current plan.