Meaning of the word mainstay in English

What does mainstay mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mainstay

US /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/
UK /ˈmeɪn.steɪ/

Noun

a person or thing on which something else is based or depends

Example:
Agriculture is the mainstay of the country's economy.
The elderly residents are the mainstay of the local church.