1. To remain in some place after something is over or other people have left. The teacher asked me to stay after class so we could go over my test results. We need someone to stay after the big party and clean up the restaurant at the end of the night.

2. To constantly or persistently remind or impel someone to do something. You've really got to stay after the kids about doing their homework every day. I know I've been staying after you to get these reports done, but they're really important!

3. To continue trying to do or achieve something, especially after initial failures or setbacks. Often used an imperative, especially in the phrase "stay after it." If you really want to become a comic book artist, you have to stay after it! You can't just give up after your first rejection. I'm really motivated to stay after my workout routine this year.