1 stead | Definition of stead

stead

noun
\ ˈsted How to pronounce stead (audio) \

Definition of stead

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 obsolete : locality, place
2 : advantage used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead
3 : the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else acted in his brother's stead

stead

verb
steaded; steading; steads

Definition of stead (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

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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

Trump, who sent Vice President Mike Pence to the country in his stead, responded Tuesday morning, shortly after Fox Business Network reported on Khan's remarks. NBC News, "Trump defends golf outings while attacking London mayor," 3 Sep. 2019 In his stead, Davis Mills was 7-for-14 for 81 yards and lost two fumbles. Rusty Simmons, SFChronicle.com, "Stanford wins opener vs. Northwestern, loses quarterback K.J. Costello," 31 Aug. 2019 In early 18th-century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. Los Angeles Times, "Movies on TV this week Sept. 1 - 7, 2019: John Wayne in ‘The Searchers’ and more," 30 Aug. 2019 In 2017, when Luck’s shoulder betrayed him, Brissett played in his stead. Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Andrew Luck retired. It really happened. So what's next for the Colts?," 25 Aug. 2019 In his stead is Ty Sambrailo, who has done little to inspire confidence at the spot but is the Falcons’ only option. Jonathan Jones, SI.com, "What We Learned at NFC South Training Camps," 23 Aug. 2019 Chioma Ubogagu entered the game in her stead, and the Pride refused to falter without their offensive stars on the pitch. Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando Pride beat Chicago Red Stars 2-1 despite early Alex Morgan injury," 23 Aug. 2019 In his stead, the majority of opportunities went to Stephen Carr and Markese Stepp, both of whom have been praised throughout fall camp. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, "Decision in USC quarterback battle is expected soon," 17 Aug. 2019 In early 18th-century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. Los Angeles Times, "Here are the feature and TV films airing the week of Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019," 11 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The festivities come at a time when residents in Seabrook are steading themselves for big changes when construction begins for the expansion of Texas 146. Jaimy Jones, Houston Chronicle, "Seabrook event carries special meaning this year," 31 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of stead

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for stead

Noun

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

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More Definitions for stead

stead

noun
\ ˈsted How to pronounce stead (audio) \

Kids Definition of stead

1 : advantage
Hint: This sense of stead is used mostly in the phrase stand someone in good stead.
Buck's marvellous quickness and agility stood him in good stead.— Jack London, The Call of the Wild
2 : the place usually taken or duty carried out by the person or thing mentioned I'll work in your stead.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stead

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with stead

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stead

Spanish Central: Translation of stead

Nglish: Translation of stead for Spanish Speakers