stays
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stays, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A stiff, boned undergarment worn to shape the torso, historically an early form of corset.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “stays” mean?
The word “stays” means a stiff, boned undergarment worn to shape the torso, historically an early form of corset. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a corset, or simply the plural/verb form of "stay.".
How do you pronounce “stays”?
“Stays” is pronounced stayz (/steɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “stays” in a sentence?
Here is “stays” used in a sentence: “The Victorian dress required a tightly laced pair of stays underneath.”
What part of speech is “stays”?
“Stays” is a noun.
Is “stays” a common word?
“Stays” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "stays" and a corset?
"Stays" is an older term for a stiffened, boned undergarment worn to shape the torso, and it is regarded as an early form of the corset. The words overlap, but "stays" usually refers to the earlier historical garment and "corset" to later versions.
Why is "stays" plural?
Like "trousers" or "scissors," "stays" is treated as a plural noun for a single garment, because it was historically made from paired, stiffened panels laced together. People often said "a pair of stays" rather than "a stay."
What is the difference between "stays" and a "bodice"?
"Stays" is a boned undergarment worn to shape and support the torso beneath clothing, while a "bodice" is the fitted upper part of a dress worn as an outer garment. Stays are structural underwear, whereas a bodice is visible.