How to Pronounce Stay

To pronounce "stay", say STAY — one syllable, IPA /steɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

stay

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/steɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “stay”

"stay" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

What does stay mean?

noun

  1. Continuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time; sojourn.

    “I hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii.”

  2. A postponement, especially of an execution or other punishment.

    “The governor granted a stay of execution.”

verb

  1. To prop; support; sustain; hold up; steady.
  2. To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.

Synonyms

endureresistcancelceasediscontinuehaltstopterminate

Words that rhyme with stay

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayplayportraycachefray

Related words

bideabidecontinuepersistremain

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "stay"?▾

"Stay" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "stay"?▾

The IPA transcription of "stay" is /steɪ/.

What does "stay" mean?▾

Stay: Continuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time; sojourn.

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