How to Pronounce Mainstay

To pronounce "mainstay", say MAINST-ay — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

mainstay

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈmeɪn.steɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “mainstay”

"mainstay" has 2 syllables: mainst-ay. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

What does mainstay mean?

noun

  1. A chief support.

    “Agriculture is the mainstay of this country’s economy.”

  2. Someone or something that can be depended on to make a regular contribution.

Hear “mainstay” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with mainstay

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayplayportraycachefray

Related words

lynchpinpillarlinchpinanchorbackbonesubsistencesubjectsustenance

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "mainstay"?▾

"Mainstay" has 2 syllables: mainst · ay.

What is the IPA transcription of "mainstay"?▾

The IPA transcription of "mainstay" is /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/.

What does "mainstay" mean?▾

Mainstay: A chief support.

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