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¹staple

noun sta·ple \ˈstā-pəl\

Definition of STAPLE

: a usually U-shaped fastener: as

a : a metal loop both ends of which are driven into a surface to hold the hook, hasp, or bolt of a lock, secure a rope, or fix a wire in place

b : a small wire both ends of which are driven through layers of thin and easily penetrable material (as paper) and usually clinched to hold the layers together

c : a usually metal surgical fastener used to hold layers of tissue together (as in the closure of an incision)

Origin of STAPLE

Middle English stapel post, staple, from Old English stapol post; akin to Middle Dutch stapel step, heap, emporium, Old English steppan to step

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with STAPLE

maple, papal

²staple

transitive verb

: to attach (something) with staples

sta·pledsta·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of STAPLE

: to provide with or secure by staples

First Known Use of STAPLE

14th century

³staple

noun

Definition of STAPLE

: a town used as a center for the sale or exportation of commodities in bulk

: a place of supply : source

: a chief commodity or production of a place

a : a commodity for which the demand is constant

b : something having widespread and constant use or appeal

c : the sustaining or principal element : substance

: raw material

a : textile fiber (as wool and rayon) of relatively short length that when spun and twisted forms a yarn rather than a filament

b : the length of a piece of such textile fiber

Origin of STAPLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estaple, from Middle Dutch stapel emporium

First Known Use: 15th century

⁴staple

adjective

: used, needed, or enjoyed constantly by many people

: produced regularly or in large quantities

Full Definition of STAPLE

: used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usually by many individuals

: produced regularly or in large quantities <staple crops such as wheat and rice>

: principal, chief

See staple defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of STAPLE

1615

STAPLES Defined for Kids

¹staple

noun sta·ple \ˈstā-pəl\

Definition of STAPLE for Kids

: a short thin wire with bent ends that is punched through papers and squeezed to hold them together or punched through thin material to fasten it to a surface

: a piece of metal shaped like a U with sharp points to be driven into a surface to hold something (as a hook, rope, or wire)