to remain in a place and not move or leave
Please stay at the table until everyone has finished eating.
The dog learned to stay when its owner raised her hand.
✦ Old English “stæġan” meaning ‘to remain’; related to German “steigen” (to stay).
to continue to be in a particular condition or state
Try to stay calm during the exam.
The milk will stay fresh if you keep it cold.
a period of time that someone spends living or visiting somewhere
We enjoyed our week-long stay at the beach house.
Her hospital stay lasted only two days.
a strong strip, rod, or wire that supports or holds something in place
Metal stays inside the collar keep it crisp.
The mast is supported by thick steel stays.
to officially stop or postpone a legal action, order, or judgment
The judge agreed to stay the ruling until new evidence could be examined.
Defense attorneys filed a motion to stay the proceedings.
an official order that stops or delays a legal process or judgment
The defense requested a stay of execution.
A temporary stay halted the eviction process.
