How to pronounce stay

Say it like this: /ˈsteɪ/. Listen to real recordings below and compare how it sounds in different accents.

American/ˈsteɪ/

What does stay mean?

verbTo remain in a particular place, especially for a definite or short period of time; sojourn; abide.

“We stayed in Hawaii for a week. I can only stay for an hour.”

To continue to have a particular quality.

“Wear gloves so your hands stay warm.”

To prop; support; sustain; hold up; steady.

“Draw in your right elbow, turn your hand outward and bear it lightly, gripe not the pen too hard, with your left hand stay the paper.”

nounContinuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time.

“I hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii.”

A postponement, especially of an execution or other punishment.

“The governor granted a stay of execution.”

A stop; a halt; a break or cessation of action, motion, or progress.

“stand at a stay”

particleAspect marker indicating frequency or permanence.

“He stay fighting.”

adjSteep; ascending.

(of a roof) Steeply pitched.

Difficult to negotiate; not easy to access; sheer.

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Pronunciations and meanings from Wiktionary via kaikki.org, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Recordings by Wikimedia Commons contributors. This page is shared under the same license.