stead

1 of 2

noun

ˈsted 

1

: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else

acted in his brother's stead

2

: advantage

—used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead

Their language skills will stand them in good stead when they travel.

3

obsolete : locality, place

stead

2 of 2

verb

steaded; steading; steads

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

Synonyms of stead

Noun

• advantage
• edge

Examples of stead in a Sentence

Noun

a summer internship will stand you in good stead when applying to college

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed an extended period of time this season, multiple high-profile names within the sport said the team was better off keeping him on the bench in favor of backup Mac Jones, who had played well in his stead. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Dec. 2025

In its stead, Shelter Distillery will move into the vacant space sometime in early-to-mid 2026, offering guests its own creations, including whiskey, bourbon and agave spirits, as well as vodka, liqueurs, rums, limoncello and even a take on absinthe. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer got his second career start in McCarthy's stead, completing 9 of 16 passes for 41 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. —Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025

In Wattenberg’s stead the Broncos will turn to backup center Alex Forsyth, a seventh-round pick by Denver in 2023. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stead

• in someone's/something's stead
• stand someone/something in good stead

Rhymes for stead

• bed
• bled
• bread
• bred
• dead
• dread
• ed
• fed
• fled
• ged
• head
• lead

Kids Definition

stead

noun

ˈsted

1

: advantage sense 3, service

their knowledge of French stood them in good stead

2

: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned

acted in the mayor's stead