1. a rope or cable extending from the top of a mast toward the stern of a ship to provide support
Usage: nautical
2. a supporting cable or wire that extends backward from a structure
Usage: technical

Examples

• The sailor adjusted the backstay to stabilize the mast.
• Strong winds put extra tension on the backstay.
• The backstay snapped during the storm, causing the mast to lean forward.
• Engineers installed a backstay to support the radio tower.
• The backstay cable needed replacement after years of weather exposure.
• Without the backstay, the antenna would collapse in high winds.