1. To remain next to or in the company of someone or something, especially in custodial capacity. Stay with the kids while I go check us into the hotel. Who's staying with the dogs while you and John are away? The officer stayed with the young man until ambulance services arrived.

2. To remain in a romantic relationship with someone, especially when its survival had been doubtful. I can't believe he decided to stay with Margaret after he found out she'd been cheating on him. I knew I couldn't stay with someone who had such issues with anger and violence.

3. To stay overnight in someone else's house for some length of time. I'm staying with my dad while I'm back home. The kids will be staying with their grandparents in New York for a few weeks this summer.

4. To remain in one's memory or thoughts. Wow, what a performance. That will stay with me for a long time.

5. To continue or persist in doing, believing, or employing something. You should really stay with selling used cars, because your stand-up routine is terrible. I think we'll stay with our normal suppliers, but thanks for the offer.

6. To continue trying to do or achieve something, especially after initial failures, challenges, or setbacks. Often used an imperative, especially in the phrase "stay with it." If you really want to become a comic book artist, you have to stay with it! You can't just give up after your first rejection. I'm really glad I stayed with my exercise routine throughout my pregnancy.