Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

backstay

noun back·stay \ ˈbak-ˌstā \

Definition of backstay

1 : a stay extending aft from a masthead
2 : a strengthening or supporting device at the back (as of a carriage or a shoe)

First Known Use of backstay

1626

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Learn More about backstay

  1. See words that rhyme with backstay

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up backstay? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games