First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1straw
noun \ˈstrȯ\
: the dry stems of wheat and other grain plants
: a single dry stem of a grain plant
: a thin tube used for sucking up a drink
Full Definition of STRAW
1
a : stalks of grain after threshing; broadly : dry stalky plant residue used like grain straw (as for bedding or packing) b : a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding
2
: a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass
3
a (1) : something of small worth or significance (2) : something too insubstantial to provide support or help in a desperate situation <clutching at straws> b : chaff 2
4
a : something (as a hat) made of straw b : a tube (as of paper, plastic, or glass) for sucking up a beverage
— strawy \ˈstrȯ-ē\ adjective
— straw in the wind
: a slight fact that is an indication of a coming event
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Origin of STRAW
Middle English, from Old English strēaw; akin to Old High German strō straw, Old English strewian to strew
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
2straw
adjective
Definition of STRAW
1
: made of straw <a straw hat>
2
: of, relating to, or used for straw <a straw barn>
3
: of the color of straw <straw hair>
4
: of little or no value : worthless
5
: of, relating to, resembling, or being a straw man
6
: of, relating to, or concerned with the discovery of preferences by means of a straw vote
First Known Use of STRAW
15th century
STRAW Defined for Kids
straw
noun \ˈstrȯ\
Definition of STRAW for Kids
1
: dry plant stems (as of grain after threshing) <a mat of straw>
2
: a slender tube for sucking up a beverage
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